Jan. 2 1914 – Jan. 4, 2014

Alice (Armaven) Gedikian turned 100 on Jan. 2 and, just two days later, slipped away gracefully of natural causes in Arcadia surrounded by her loved ones.

A joyful celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the Armenian Cilicia Evangelical Church, 339 S. Santa Anita Ave., Pasadena.

Preceded in death by her husband Aram in 1973, she leaves behind her three beloved daughters Janice Barile (Dennis), Olivia Johnson (Andrew), Lisa Yeghiayan (Mike); four adoring grandchildren Christopher Johnson (Renee), Alyssa Johnson, Michael Yeghiayan, Aimee Yeghiayan; great-grandsons Zander and Desmond Johnson and devoted friend Sonia Kechichian.

With her husband Aram, she was the co-proprietor of Pasadena’s Shoetorium Shoe Repair (originally located at Fair Oaks and Colorado) from 1962 until her retirement in 1997 at age 83. Widowed at age 59, Alice became active in the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and numerous women’s business groups, and was featured in local publications for her positive impact upon her devoted clientele as well as her ongoing efforts within her community.

A lifelong faith and strong affiliation with her church sustained Alice throughout her life. She served as a deaconess, Cilicia choir member, Dorcas Guild president and board officer at Armenian Cilicia Evangelical Church.  She helped initiate the Southern California Camp Arev program (Choreg Queen) and was a member of the AGBU, Daughters of Vartan, and Ararat Guild working tirelessly for causes that held her heart.

Following her amazing recovery after being struck by a vehicle in 2002 that nearly claimed her life, she found a new home at Arcadia Gardens. While there, she enjoyed her music, dancing and a very loving group of special “support friends.” Alice will be remembered by all who enjoyed their time with her as a ray of God’s light whose abiding faith and trust, love of her family and unfailing sparkle of good humor and positivity carried her through her final years with a joyful heart. She lives on in the hearts of all who have been blessed by her faith, her joy and her music and perhaps even have shared a dance with her!

Loving remembrances may be made in her name to: Armenian Cilicia Evangelical Church; Camp AREV; Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA).

Arrangements are entrusted to Mountain View Mortuary where there will be a private interment.