Eliza "Alice" Tokatly

Eliza “Alice” Missakian Tokatly

January 15, 1939 – May 22, 2025

With deep sorrow and enduring love, we announce the passing of our mother Eliza “Alice” Missakian Tokatly, who entered eternal rest on May 22, 2025, at the age of 86. Surrounded by family, Alice passed peacefully at San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland, CA, following a battle with pulmonary edema caused by pneumonia.

Born on January 15, 1939, Alice was the beloved daughter of the late Hagop and Marie Missakian, and the cherished sister of the late Missak, Garbis, Ohannes, and Anto. In 1955, she met Pierre J. Tokatly and they were married on January 20, 1956. Together, they built a life rooted in family and faith.

In 1979, Alice and Pierre bravely immigrated to the United States. She carried the weight of change with resilience, humility, and grace—never wavering in her role as the heart and strength of the family. A fighter and a warrior in every sense, Alice endured life’s many trials with quiet strength and unshakable faith. She was the embodiment of resilience—humble in her strength, tireless in her love, and deeply selfless.

She had a rare ability to both empathize and advocate for everyone, often putting the needs of others before her own. Though she had faced much in her lifetime, she never let hardship define her spirit. Instead, she chose to meet each day with love, kindness, and the determination to care for those around her.

Alice was a devoted mother to Kegham (Jim), Sam, Bill, Marina, and Elizabeth; a proud grandmother to Christina, Gabriella, Katrina, Jillian, Drake, Bruce III, and Eli; and a great-grandmother to Garen. Her love for her family was unconditional and unwavering.

Primarily a homemaker, Alice poured her heart into raising her children and creating a warm, nurturing home. Later in life, she found great purpose and joy in her work at St. Mark’s Episcopal School and Preschool in Upland, first as a volunteer and later as a staff member. Known affectionately by the children and staff alike, she became legendary for her Friday spaghetti—an act of love that filled many bellies and hearts.

Alice lived her faith boldly and faithfully. A devoted Christian and prayer warrior, she read her Bible daily and drew strength from her deep belief in God. She was a member of both the Armenian Relief Society “Sosse” Chapter (Pasadena, CA) and the Daughters of the King “Sancta Sophia” Chapter (Upland, CA), where she served with generosity and grace.

Beyond her roles as mother, grandmother, and faithful servant, Alice was a deeply cherished friend. She had a rare gift for making others feel truly seen and heard, offering her presence without judgment and her heart without hesitation. Her friendships were built on trust, warmth, and genuine care—she listened with compassion, gave generously of her time, and stood by those she loved with unwavering loyalty. For so many, she was a confidante, a source of strength, and a quiet light in times of darkness. Her friendships were not only numerous, but lasting, because she loved so well.

Creative, thoughtful, and endlessly giving, Alice found joy in knitting, crocheting, beading, painting, and puzzles (which she often wanted to glue and frame because “she worked so hard on them”). Whether she was playing solitaire, Mahjong, or Candy Crush, or calling a loved one just to check in, her presence brought warmth and comfort.

She is remembered for her compassion, strength, sense of humor, and unwavering love. Her favorite sayings—“Do unto others as you would want them to do to you” and “Through Him all things are possible”—were not just words, but principles she lived by.

Alice’s funeral service and burial will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM - Forest Lawn (Covina Hills, CA).

Though words can never fully capture her essence, we will carry Alice’s memory in our hearts forever. We welcome you to share your stories, memories, or photos in the comments—knowing how she touched your life brings great comfort to our family.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7