Mary Akgulian (nee: Dadian), 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Lakeshore at Siena surrounded by her family.
Mary was born in Racine on February 12, 1929, to Armenian immigrants Mihran and Vartenie (nee; Taktakian) Dadian. She was a lifelong resident of Racine and graduated from Horlick High School. Mary was a bookkeeper for all of her working years, including First National Bank, Lapour Real Estate, Studebaker-Packard Dealership, Homer Dary’s Pharmacy, Dominican College, Racine Federated, Warren Packaging, and Clifton Gunderson, from which she retired. She married Mark Akgulian in 1956, and celebrated 62 years of marriage. He preceded her in death in 2018. Mary was an active member of St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, where she served on the parish council, taught Sunday school and volunteered for Armenian Fest.
Mary is survived by her children Lisa Akgulian (Dr. George Barsamian) and Nishan Akgulian (Risa Honig), sister and brother-in-law Shockey (Donald) Julie, sisters-in-law Margaret Dadian and Ann Akgulian. She is further survived by godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom she loved dearly.
In addition to her husband, Mark, she was preceded in death by her parents, brother Charles Dadian, sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Richard Williams, brothers and sister-in-law, Sahag and Rose Akgulian, Sam Akgulian and George Akgulian, and cousin, Mary Ann Injasoulian.
Mary enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and watching sports, especially tennis, basketball and football. But what was most important to her were the relationships she cultivated with her family and friends. She was genuinely interested in their lives, and it showed in their connection with her.
Funeral services for Mary will be held at St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, 4605 Erie Street on Wednesday, May 27 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Avedis Kalayjian officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 until the time of service at 11:00 am. Memorials to St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church have been suggested.