Lucy Mardian

Lucy Mardian, age 85, wife of a former Phoenix mayor, Sam Mardian Jr. and a member of an influential Arizona family, died Friday.

Friend’s say she will be remembered for her years of service to Phoenix. Anne Walsh, former publisher of The Arizona Republic stated “She was the ultimate lady, absolutely. She was the type of woman everybody would like to have as a sister”

She was loved by all. Her eldest son Sam Mardian III quoted about his mother “She was totally devoted to her children.”

Many stated their condolences and memories about Lucy such as Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordan, Rev. Peter K. Perry, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church, and Dennis Mitchem, director of corporate relations for Northern Arizona University.

Lucy served with the Phoenix Symphony Guild, Phoenix Art Museum League and hospital, charitable and Kiwanis Club auxiliaries.

Lucy formally a Keshishian, was born in Cyprus on October 6, 1920. Her family as well as the Mardians came from Hadjin, a small village in Armenia. In 1939 the Keshishians went from New York to California for an Armenian picnic, there Lucy and Sam met.

The Mardians moved to Phoenix in 1947 from Pasadena, Calif., to join his brothers in the construction business.

She is survived by her husband and five children, Sam III of Meyer; Jim of Paradise Valley; Carol Pickens and Doug, both of Phoenix, and Steve of Scottsdale, and five grandchildren.

Funeral services were held May 11 at the First United Methodist Church, 5510 N. Central Ave, Phoenix.