Ann Akgulian (Emerzian) passed away peacefully at home on September 28, 2026. She was 100 years old.
Ann was born in Waukegan, Illinois, on January 9, 1926, to Garabed and Pilaz Emerzian. She was a valued employee in the Disbursary at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois for 20 years. Her aptitude in finance and bookkeeping she developed there became a vital long-term resource for her family.
In October 1962, Ann was united in marriage to Sam S. Akgulian of Racine. After moving to Racine, she became an active and involved member of St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church. She and Sam formed rich friendships and an active social life with many others in the church community. Her Christian faith was central to her life, and for many years she served as a Sunday school teacher at St Mesrob’s.
Her beloved Sam preceded her in death on September 21, 2006.
Ann was also preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Helen Emerzian; her brother, Sarkis Emerzian; and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sahag and Rose Akgulian, Mark and Mary Akgulian, and George Akgulian.
She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Garo (Amy) Emerzian, Nancy Emerzian-Jingoli, Brian Emerzian, Lisa Akgulian (George Barsamian), Nishan Akgulian (Risa Honig), Laura Akgulian (Tim Weber), Mark Akgulian (Rebecca Keller), Marguerite (Michael) Guglielmo, and Nick Akgulian, as well as their children and many friends and neighbors.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Ann’s caregivers, Gerelmaa Chesbro and Alexandra Karaman, for their warmth, attentiveness, and dedication.
Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, at St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, 4605 Erie Street, Racine. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be celebrated by Reverend Father Avedis Kalayjian. Interment at Graceland Cemetery will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church.