Mayda Mankerian

Mayda (Mary) Tatoulian Mankerian was born on February 28, 1936, in Aleppo, Syria, to Hovsep Tatoulian and Aguline Drtadian. She was one of five children and grew up alongside her sister, Arpine, and brothers Edward, Varoujan, and Rev. Fr. Datev Tatoulian. Her parents were Armenian Genocide survivors from Hadjin who instilled in their children a deep appreciation for faith, education, family, and Armenian heritage.

As a young child, Mayda's family relocated to Beirut, Lebanon, where she attended AGBU Tarouhi Hagopian Secondary School for Girls. The values she learned from her family and community remained guiding principles throughout her life.

On October 9, 1960, Mayda married Vartkes Mankerian at Sourp Nshan Armenian Apostolic Church in Beirut, Lebanon. In 1961, the newlyweds immigrated to the United States and settled in Pasadena, California, where they began building their life together.

Soon after arriving in Pasadena, Mayda and Vartkes opened American Armenian Grocery. As one of the early Armenian and Middle Eastern markets serving the growing Armenian community in Southern California, the store became a valued destination for families seeking traditional foods and products from their homeland.

In 1968, Mayda and Vartkes returned to Beirut, Lebanon, to be closer to family and friends. After two years abroad, they decided to return permanently to the United States in 1970 and once again settled in Pasadena. They resumed operating American Armenian Grocery and continued serving the community until 1986.

Known for her warm hospitality, delicious homemade foods, and welcoming spirit, Mayda formed lasting friendships with countless customers and neighbors. Her lahmajoun and other traditional Armenian specialties became favorites among customers, while her kindness and generosity made the grocery store a place where people gathered, shared news, renewed friendships, and maintained connections to their Armenian heritage.

A devoted member of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church, Mayda served faithfully in the Ladies Society and Church Choir for many years. She also volunteered with the Compatriotic Union of Hadjin and maintained active membership in the Daughters of Vartan for more than fifty years. In recognition of her lifelong dedication to family, church, and community, she was honored as Mother of the Year by the Knights of Vartan, Ghevont Lodge No. 26 in 2009.

Mayda found great joy in singing Armenian folk songs, preparing meals for family and friends, entertaining guests, and sharing Armenian traditions with future generations. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

She is survived by her daughters, Salpy Mankerian and Taline Kedjidjian; her son-in-law, Vicken Kedjidjian; her granddaughters, Tatiana Kedjidjian and Sophia Jacobs; and Noah Jacobs. She also leaves behind many cherished relatives, friends, and community members whose lives were enriched by her friendship and example.

Mayda will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, faithful church member, and proud preserver of Armenian faith, culture, and traditions. Her legacy of love, hospitality, and service continues through the family she treasured and the community she faithfully served.

Mayda Tatoulian Mankerian was called home to the Lord on September 11, 2026, at the age of 90. She resided in Pasadena, California, at the time of her passing. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, California.

Advadz Hokeen Loosavoreh

May God Enlighten Her Soul.