DF

Wendy Churukian: Portrait of a Life, by DF

Who is Wendy Churukian? As she approaches a momentous b-day, it’s a question we all may strive to answer, though no one response can suffice. Wendy has played many roles in all of our lives, and with consummate skill: wife, mother, grandmother, sister, conqueror of Sudokus, undisputed queen among SC fans, voracious consumer of Tea’s Tea, and maker of some of the finest foodstuffs either side of the Mississippi River. So to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of Wendy’s birth, I offer the following scattered data points to give some sense of the legendary and beloved figure that is my sister.

Wendy Churukian, enthusiastic holiday decorator. Nowhere in the world is Christmas more Christmas-y (or Easter more Easter-y, or Halloween more … um … Halloweenie) than in the living room of the famed Pasadena Churukian homestead, thanks largely to Wendy’s decorating prowess. From early November to sometime well into the new year, Wendy will not suffer a single square centimeter of wall or floor space to remain unadorned by sundry Santas and other manifestations of nativity cheer. In a way, it is never not yuletide at the Churuks hacienda, as it is possible to find various mementoes wishing Merry Christmas lurking around the house even in mid-August.

Wendy Churukian, trivia champ. Beware of contending with Wendy in a battle of trivia skillz, for she has encyclopedic knowledge that will put all and sundry to shame. Just how good is Wendy at trivia? So good that she once bested a certain brother (who is himself no trivia slouch) in Final Jeopardy, with two immortal words that will be remembered for generations (at least by me): “Black Beauty.” And just for the record, Wendy, you won that one fair and square.

Wendy Churukian, chef de cuisine. Wendy has mastered the art of French cooking, and many other forms of culinary deliciousness, and DF’s ever-expanding stomach has been the fortunate beneficiary of her fine efforts. I’d go so far to wager that Wendy’s boeuf bourguignon would compete favorably against even Julia Child’s in a head-to-head competition. Related, and also impressive, is Wendy’s impression of Julia Child herself (or, perhaps more accurately, of Meryl Streep portraying Julia Child). If you have not heard Wendy do aforementioned impression, I strongly suggest requesting a performance. It is a falsetto riot.

Wendy Churukian, queen of quilters. Wendy has an innate homing device. Place her in any major or mid-sized metropolitan area, and she will instinctively navigate to the nearest sewing store, and in short order will charm her way into the hearts of the local needlepoint aficionados. Indeed, the fact pattern in the first law school exam I ever wrote was inspired by a quilting yarn that Wendy told me some years ago. Wendy has even blended her love for the needle arts with her affection for sports, becoming one of the first attendees at the L.A. Dodgers’ infamous “Stitch and Pitch” night. How, you may wonder, did Wendy continue to do high-level handwork even when night had fallen at Dodger Stadium? Two words: miner’s helmet. I swear it’s true; there are pictures to prove it.

Wendy Churukian, sister of a “big” celebrity. Okay, let’s set the record straight. There’s a persistent rumor afoot that Wendy’s brother is some famous Hollywood actor—perhaps an out-of-shape Vince Vaughn, or a late-career Marlon Brando, or that guy who was the body double for Jabba the Hutt. Ahem. Let me take this opportunity to note that these rumors are fraudulent, though perhaps understandable, given the apparent similarities that Wendy likes to emphasize between these celebs and one of her siblings (who shall remain nameless).

Wendy Churukian, legendary USC football fan. To simply say, “Wendy Churukian is a USC fan” misses the point. It’s sort of like saying, “Warren Buffett has some money,” or “Kim Kardashian has a butt.” All of these statements are undeniably valid, but they don’t fully reflect the magnitude of the truth. On game days, Wendy literally wears her devotion to SC on her sleeve—and her earrings, and her iPhone, and any other piece of clothing or accessory that comes in cardinal and gold. Indeed, Wendy’s enthusiasm for SC football is the benchmark to which any serious sports fan would do well to aspire. I myself have been known to invoke the Wendy standard in the course of conversazione, when struggling to express how much I really, really dislike something, e.g., “I feel about [something odious] the way my sister feels about UCLA.” Nuff said.

Wendy Churukian, consummate hostess. It was almost a year ago that a truly foolish accident left me with a spectacular dual fracture of the left leg. And so I found myself, thanks entirely to blessed familial generosity, prostrate on the fold-out couch in the Churukian living room for the better part of late 2009. Much of what made lying around for all those months in a cast bearable (and, surprisingly, even kinda fun sometimes), was being able to spend it with Wendy, who proved equally patient whether bringing me yogurt, accompanying me on crutch-walks around the block, or pretending that my Vicodin-induced ramblings actually did make sense.

A wise man once said, “A sister is a woman with whom you share a mother and/or father.” This is true, and yet it is incomplete, so I will conclude simply by saying that my sister is a very cool lady with a heart of gold, and I consider myself most fortunate to have her in my life (yes, even when she compares me to various portly celebrities). So, happy sixtieth, Wendy, and I wish you many more b-days to enjoy life and familia and SC football and quilting and all else. Much love from your brother,

!DF!

Karen Berkus

Dear Wendy,

Birthdays come and birthdays go, and along the way, with each passing year, our lives are enriched by the people we meet and the experiences we share.

On this special birthday, let me thank you for enriching my life. I loved our visits to Arrowhead, making our patchwork quilted jackets together, stitching at Asilomar, joining your quilting group, attending both Tiffany and Heidi’s weddings, accompanying the “boys” to their Marshall High School reunion, participating in the City of Hope Breast Cancer walk/run, to name a few memorable times.

You are a true mensch! According to Leo Rosten, the Yiddish maven (expert) and author of The Joys of Yiddish, a mensch is “someone to admire and emulate, someone of noble character. The key to being ‘a real mensch’ is nothing less than character, rectitude, dignity, and a sense of what is right, responsible, decorous.” How could my life not be enriched when I have you as a friend!

Happy 60^th Birthday, Wendy.

Love,

Karen

Courtney

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mom!!! I hope you have a wonderful birthday and know just how much we all love you. Remember the college quilt you made for me when I went to USC? You made it perfectly and one reason why I love it so much is that it reminds me of you. You are detail-oriented (which was really good for us kids growing up and you planning our trips instead of Dad...) because the quilt was alternately red and yellow, the same colors of the university I was attending. You also made *each square* a different pattern, and with 150 squares that's a lot of creativity and hard work! Further, you even added some green every now and then because my sorority's colors were red and green. Your attention to detail is just one of the ways in which you show your love and it has always meant a lot to me. You even hand-stitched Tommy Trojan!! Now that takes some intense talent.

You have never been one to mass-produce anything or just take the easy way. You could have done the same pattern, or even 10 patterns just interspersed, but no, you took the time to make each of the 150 squares different. That is a quality you have that makes people feel special Mom, and you've always done that. You make each person feel like they have meaning and value and that is a trait sadly missing from our culture nowadays. That specific trait is one of the things I learned from you Mom, to love people and take the time to do something special for them, even if it is a lot of work and takes a lot of time, like the quilts you made us, because it is worth it.

And you never ask for anything in return either, you didn't spend countless hours making us quilts, clothes, stockings, etc. in return for extra time with you or another phone call a week if we were at college. You made us these things for our own benefit and nothing else. That is selfless love Mom, and again, something that many people today don't care to ever express because it's felt that love should always be a two-way street. Well, a lot of times it isn't, and that never stopped you from giving us your all, all the time. I have always felt extremely loved by you and never questioned your love for me. Thank you for that beautiful gift.

One last thing. In my college quilt, on the back it is an all-red background with yellow block letters that spell out "USC." Another wonderful quality you have Mom is the ability to surprise and delight people. I thought the front of the quilt was amazing enough, yet you went the extra mile and spelled "USC" on the back and I remember pure delight at seeing that extra stroke of detail! I have that quilt at my apartment now and whenever I show it to people I always show them both sides because they're both worthy of note! The way you make things and treat others expresses not only love but a desire to go the extra mile to show that you care for them.

It is for these reasons and many others that I love you infiniti x infiniti and I am so happy to spend this birthday with you!!

lots of loveos,
courtney

Dad

We first met as the glaciers were receding from the last ice age. I caught her eye as we were both protesting global warming. I couldn't help noticing she looked pretty hot against all that whiteness. Of course she pretended to ignore me as I came from the clan of the extra woolly mammoth (we don't own sweaters).
Skipping ahead slightly, it was actually my motorcycle that finally brought us together. We both faithfully watched Star Trek but it ended at 6 pm and we had a night class that started at 6pm. So on those nights I ran out of my apartment and jumped on my motorcycle, picked her up on the way and (we could drive on campus at the time) parked at the door. Thanks to my superior driving skills punctuated by her high pitched shrieking in my right ear we were never more than 3 minutes 42 seconds late.
Since then we've shared a few laughs. So that's about it for us, the rest is history.
Oh, what's that you say, isn't there more? Well I suppose I could share an old memory or two. First let's be clear that the Vendi-kins didn't immediately recognize that she was crazy wild about me, in fact she hid it quite well. So we grudgingly became friends for several years and then started dating despite knowing each other well.
I convinced Wendy that camping would be a life changing experience. So one morning at 3AM I picked her up in the dorms and sped up the coast in my 67 Mustang to Big Sur. We found a campsite on the river and I got the tent out but couldn't find the stakes. Here's where I shone. I pulled out my cub-scout knife and carved stakes out of big twigs. I think Wendy swooned at this display of survival skills. I got the tent up and staked down before I noticed the real stakes in the trunk and promptly hid them. We ate well the first day and managed bread and water the next day before I ran out of money. She might have questioned my fiscal planning skills but I had taken my shirt off in front of her (pretty riske in the old days) and scrambled her brains for days. On the way back I ran out of gas and figured Coleman stove fluid would do just fine. My Mustang did not agree and sounded like a machine gun coming down the road until we found a gas station. How did I pay? The very first credit cards were for gasoline and my DAD in his infinite wisdom had given me one. Thanks again Bebo.
That reminds me. On our honeymoon I planned the first three nights very well. After that I figured we could just wander around for 10 days or so. Wendy suggested an actual destination might be in order and that's how we ended up in Vancover. Of course, you guessed it, we ran out of money on the way back. Wendy decided to plan our trips from about that time around.
Wait, there was one exception. We went to Europe after one year of marriage. I knew in my travel wisdom that you can always find someplace to lay your weary head without fussing with hotel reservations. So we landed in Paris with our backpacks at 9pm local time and no place to stay. After no more then a couple hundred places we tried were full I noticed Wendy seemed to be getting frustrated. The, Eureka, a hotel with room. The place for thr stars was strangely empty. The yawning clerk let us in and gave us a key, pointing up the stairs. I guess not every hotel has to have an elevator. The exercise after walking around Paris all night with our backpacks felt good. After quite a while on the stairs we hit the wall, literally, it was dark and the top floor came up unexpectedly. Our "room" was at the end of a long hall. There was a small bathroom on the samw floor but neither of us were that desperate.
Finally, we were ready to crash. Wendy pulled back the covers. The sheets only went partway down the bed. We slept in our clothes. We woke up at dawn, went all the way back down the stairs....the front door was latched and locked and bolted, etc. So we went back up the now familiar stairs and slept most of the day. Our first mission in Paris was finding a hotel with at least one star. We found one with a room and its very own bathroom and hugged each other as we jumped up and down while spinning. Yes we were excited and this hotel had a star!
Can we say that Wendy did not trust my vast store of male knowledge and judgement at this point? As she explained, guys and girls just travel differently. I realized she was right, sleeping indoors and having a clean bathroom wasn't so bad.
As you have surmised, the key to any successful relationship is compromise. Of course in a marriage always strive to have the last words, "yes dear."
Now, if I were to try and be serious I might search for the words that could convey my love for Wendy, but of course those words do not exist. Suffice it to say that we are inextricably bound together by our shared life and love, forever.

Your Missak

Uncle Ron

Well it’s here kiddo, the big SIX-oh my goodness!! Sixty. Six-zed. Sessanta. Soixante.

Sesenta. Vatzoun. 60. 70 minus 10. LX. No matter how you slice it—10+50, 20+40,

30+30, 59+1, 61-1 (for those in denial)—it’s still X

.

X

.

X

.

X

.

X

.

X. Look at the bright side;

that’s a lot of X’s, and X’s stand for kisses. Don’t look now, but AARP already has you

in their sights, Social Security is diminishing in value, and Medicare is knocking at your

door. But, on the bright side, just think of the benefits. As a “senior” you can now go the

movies for a buck less. That’s found money which will come in handy when you

purchase adult diapers, Fix-O-Dent, Ex-Lax, prunes, reading glasses, or chicken soup.

But, rather than getting lost in the wonders of Pharmacyland, or even engaged in a

discussion of your promising alternative career as a greeter at Wal-Mart, let’s take a

moment to recall a few impressions of you, the youngest harse, now the Grand Mama

Wendy.

What can one say of a truly accomplished woman: super-wife, super-mom, super-quilter,

super-Trojan, super-football fanatic, super-game girl? Really nothing. It’s all been said,

all noted, and all no exaggeration. The old man is well managed, content, always smiling,

and appreciative. The kids are out of college without police records, modestly well

behaved and mildly amusing. What more can one want? Your quilts are inventive,

extraordinary, and made with love and care. They have become an art form to be envied.

Trojan blood runs through your veins, little USC chickadee. A more able defender of the

Cardinal and Gold and energetic cheer leader of everything Trojan we may not find

again. Never mind what people say behind your back. They’re probably envious Bruins,

and no one in Pasadena listens to them anyway.

Yet, you have such unexpected (unappreciated) talents. Early on, we (the extended

family) were all relaxing and enjoying a tranquil evening (actually the silent night before

Christmas) at your warm home when the solemnity of the moment was pierced by an

extra-terrestrial shrill. Perplexed, we thought someone had accidentally stepped on one of

your squirrel-dogs, or some other small animal had errantly wandered unnoticed into

your Cuisinart. No, indeed, it was emanating from you, as you were calling your brood

like a farmer summons his pigs to slop. And the amazing thing was that they all came a’

running. That now trademark cuckle caught us all off guard at first. Actually, it catches us

off guard every time, and every next time. Year after year, seemingly out of nowhere this

high-pitched sound shatters not only every conversation of the moment, but also most

likely your most delicate crystal, which is probably why Mike bought you the heftier,

shatter-proof Baccarat. Lucky you. Presents from heaven.

---

Page 2

But, there have always been more memorable moments in the warmth of the Christmas

season at your house. On Christmas Eve, then Christmas Eve-Eve when the former was

hijacked, there was always some new piece recently quilted, needle pointed, or crafted to

our amazement. You have a gift. These heirloom treasures would become a most admired

backdrop to accompany the highly anticipated and never disappointing prime rib and

Yorkshire pudding, collegiality, scripture reading, and carol singing. Collectively, this

special moment produced a great sense of family, and the gift of this annual, much

anticipated gathering has been woven into the very fabric of our larger family tapestry.

We have you to thank for this starting this hallowed tradition.

It seems I spend most of my Easter Sundays photographing the ever-growing family

clusters, trying with some effort to pose groupings in an artful way so that generations

later their gentle maturity will be measured year against year. With some concerted effort

I try to position each person to achieve a Renaissance composition so as to create a

dignified portrait. Truthfully, I don’t know if it is Mike or you, Wendy, who always

seems to initiate cutting up during your annual Easter family picture shoot. (Don’t blame

it on the kids.) There you all are, with mischief in your eyes just waiting for me to get set,

and then someone would whisper something and you would all loose it completely. And

you get such pleasure out of it. It is infectious. In my thirty something years as court

photographer, I cannot remember a time when your family didn’t give the impression that

just as the camera snapped one of you farted—loud, long and melodiously. Come to think

of it, I now kinda look forward to that moment, as your eruptions are seemingly beyond

your collective control. You know how to live life to the fullest and to laugh.

I recall coming over to your house for some occasion where Mike was outside at the

barbeque and you were in the kitchen cooking up a storm. You were always preparing

something special using your wonderful repertoire of cutlery, gadgets, and pans.

Someone mentioned that Mrs. Potts was in the kitchen, and I thought they were referring

to you. Only then did I come to understand that Mrs. Potts was your overgrown mop dog.

Yet, ever since that moment I’ve come to think of you as Mrs. Potts n’ Pans.

Wendy, you have enjoyed many blessings in life—the love of a good and faithful man,

four adoring children, a grandchild to write home about, a wonderful craftsman home, an

idyllic mountain family retreat, exciting travel, many friendships, support of those around

you, the ability to laugh, and the hand of God when needed most. But you have shared

your blessings with the rest of us as well. For those blessings we are most appreciative.

We pray God’s continued grace to fall upon you, and wish you the happiest of birthdays

on this special day. May you enjoy many more such days in the company of those who

bring special meaning to your life. Fight on! Just don’t forget where you left your teeth.

Love,

Ron

Eric Ley

The Wendy Waltz

(apologies to Roethke)

Cookies baked by a young wife,

Would make the twins dizzy,

Four children dance with life,

The Wendy Waltz is easy!

You dance around the pans,

Clean on the kitchen shelf,

Daddyo’s countenance,

A smile to himself!

The hand to hold the ring,

Newly weighted on one knuckle,

‘The date?’ did you sing,

Where others might have buckled!

You keep time in our head,

With a palm caked of flour

60 years, waltzed and led,

Congrats on this fine hour!

Mom's Holiday

Do you remember these?? The first ornaments you made for Christmas. Notice the Hawaiian theme. They now adorn the Ley Xmas tree and make me think of you.

More of the same

A beautiful quilted ornament

And at last, the final ornament you made for me. The bride and groom ornament in 2006 for the year Eric and I got married. I love this one.

Mom, you showed us what the holidays truly mean. Family. Love. Delicious food!

Love you

Heidi

Cute pics

Heidi

The quilt reads, "Heidi, made with love. Mom, '97." A beautiful quilt in my favorite color that you gave me before college. I remember having all my friends come into my dorm room and commenting on what a cool bed cover it was. They thought it was so unique and simply credited my being from California for my cool style. Wonderment was the primary response when I told them that my mom had made it for me.
Mom, I am so blessed to have you as my mother. You are always watching out for me, listening to everything I say and offering good, sound advice. Feeding me fabulous dinners.
My hardest but favorite memory of you was actually when you were at City of Hope. I even remember writing about it in high school. Dad had brought all of us to see you but we had to stay outside your room since you were in isolation. I remember seeing dad put on what I thought looked like a space suit at the time. I was playing with Courtney and simply waiting for dad. Then, you appeared at the door. You did not look like yourself and I remember being scared at first, but then you smiled. Your amazing smile, and I saw my mother.
I think of that moment often, even now. It reminds me of your strength and your amazing example. You never complained, not to me. I never heard you moan about how unfair your life was, why did you have to be the one to get sick. You simply put your head down and persevered. And you did it for your family.
You are an impressive woman. I look at you as my mother. As my example of how I would like to be. But you are so much more then that. you are a loving and very patient wife. You are a wonderful friend. You are a strong woman. You are Wendy.
I love you mom
Happy Birthday

Heidi

Rochelle Dumlao

60 is about feeling excited to be alive at a time when you're free to really to live

60 is about knowing yourself, being yourself, and truly liking who you've become

But most of all, 60 is about celebrating the beginning of the most beautiful years of your life

Enjoy, Happy Birthday

Love Rochelle

The Lord your God is with you...He will take great delight in you...He will rejoice over you with singing Zephaniah 3:17

Melinda Paladian

Dearest Wendy,

April 11, 1981 was when I received a handmade quilt that I will always cherish. Wendy, how humbling that you took the time to create such a special blanket for "my first born." I had no idea about the little person God was weaving for me; but, indeed that "little bundle" was wrapped in your blanket day and night. You have always been a true friend that I can count on for a good laugh or a comforting word. You are a great example of a loving wife and dedicated mother. You light up a room when you enter and I am blessed to have you as a friend.

With love and warmest wishes on your birthday,

Melinda

Mom

On July 17, 1950 - am angel was born. I named her Wendy, after my mother.

I'm so proud of the person she has become, of the loving wife, the outstanding mother, and the over the moon grandmother.
I love her to pieces, and some times wish she was a little girl again.
It really blows my mind that she's "60," but looks half that age.
I'm just proud to be her mom.

XOXO

The Smiths

To Aunt Wendy as we celebrate your 60th birthday

When counting blessings, I think of you.

You have been special to me, nearly my entire life through.

Showing us courage, faith, hope, and love,

While raising children we are all proud of.

Christmas memories and traditions - shared and gifts for life.

An example to all of how to love as mom and wife.

Talented in cooking, quilting, and needlepoint too.

How I want to "grow up" and be like you.

With our love, Kristin and the Smith family

The Best Friend

Once in a while you find a friend who'll be a friend forever......happy birthday to my forever friend.

Love Kathy

Henry & Rita

I have many memories of Wendy, but two stand out ... The first was when Michael brought Wendy to Ken and Thelma's house for the first time,to introduce her to the family. I think it was Easter? There she was, tall and trim, long straight hair, but looking quite bewildered... with all those faces looking at her, and examining "Michael's girlfriend" !!
The second memory is of City of Hope. Alice and I had gone to visit her when Wendy was in Isolation. There she was, sitting on her bed, with this round face, with not a single hair on her head, brows or lashes... going through a very difficult time in her treatment, could hardly speak... I still get teary eyed when I picture her in that situation.

Well, God is great!! He has looked after Wendy and has granted her a long life. It brings us all great joy and thanksgiving to see her surrounded by all those she loves. Her husband, her children, two wonderful son-in-laws, and finally her adorable grandson, Michael!!!
May God be with you, Wendy, and grant you many more happy and healthy years to experience many more events in the life of your family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

With love,
Rita and Henry

Alice Altoon

I am so excited to be celebrating Wendy's 60th Birthday!

I thank God that it was His will to continue to bless us all with her presence. He heard our prayers and gave us all a wonderful, positive response.

Like fine wine that only gets better with time, I have enjoyed Wendy's friendship and companionship.

The first thing I noticed about Wendy when we met was her engaging smile and sparkling eyes. I love that she still brightens Mike's eyes when he looks at her and he still brightens hers.

There is no question that the most important people in Wendy's life are her husband and children. Her dedication to all of them is evident and they have all been blessed by it.

I love our mutual interest in hand work. Of course, she is the expert at all things made by hand...needlepointing, quilting, knitting, embroidering, etc. To say that she has been prolific in all those areas is an understatement. Her home is beautifully enhanced by all her talent.

I especially have fond memories of taking needlepoint classes together at A Stitch in Time. I love being able to just sit and stitch together for hours.

I have also enjoyed many happy Christmas Eves at the Churukian home. Wendy always cooks to perfection and is a very hospitable hostess. We have a ball and a lot of laughs.

I love our sibling Arrowhead time when we get emersed in each other and still have a good time! I am grateful that we all enjoy each other's company and have bonds of love that bind us all together.

May the Lord grant you many, many more years of good health, love, joy and grandchildren!

Botchigs and love,
Your older sister,
Alice

Kenny & Thelma

A few brief thoughts about my sister Wendy on the occasion of her 60^th birthday.

W: Wonderful wife and friend to my brother, and a good mother and wise counselor to her children.

E: Excels in all her endeavors

N: Never idle, always at work with her quilting, needlework, or housework. A true Proverbs 31 women.

D: Devoted and loyal to her Lord, her family, and friends.

Y: Young at heart and always fun to be around.

Kenny and I wish you a happy and wonderful birthday as you celebrate your 60^th birthday with Gods blessings and our love.

Thelma

P.S. Thank you for the fond memories of Christmas Eve that we celebrated at you home. Also, don’t forget that in a few years you will be as old as I am.

Phyllis Everett

"Wendy - Chandler - Quilting"

For years Wendy came once a week to teach a mini-course for me. Many 7th and 8th graders, as well as me, learned how to hand quilt in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. She not only brought all the needed materials, she would bring her quilts to class to share the beauty and history of each. She encouraged everyone, helping them feel very successful.
Over the years she introduced many creative projects. I distinctly one student coming to class saying she had been at a restaurant in Pasadena when she noticed a family with a young baby covered by a small, colorful quilt. She talked to the family having recognized the very small nine patch quilt was made by students in Wendy's mini-course, signed on the back by students, and given to the Neo-Natal Unit at Huntington Hospital.
For all the students who learned quilting from you, and for all the wonderful hours I shared with you - thank you.
Happy 60th and many more years of happiness.

Phyllis Everett

Dwane & Lily

My first recollection of Wendy is that of sitting at the kitchen table at the Los Feliz home. She was visiting Mike with a mutual friend. All three were laughing and joking. I thought to myself, "I hope Mike finds a girl like that for himself." And of course, my wish came true! Mike and Wendy have a unique relationship - not just husband and wife, but also best friends. We appreciate and will always remember the many happy years spent at Churukian Christmas parties. Again what comes to mind is the joy, the laughter, the festive decorations, and the yummy food. Wendy, you have a gift for warm and gracious hospitality. May God continue to bless you and al your family; and may He grace you with many, many more years of good health.

Love,

Lily and Dwane

Michelle Kim

Mrs. Churukian

Pronunciation: \ˈmi-səz chuh roo key an

Meaning:

devoted mother

loving

responsible

creative

witty

brilliant

confident

resourceful

amazing chef

leader

curious

open minded

faithful

giving

compassionate

kind

adventurous

survivor

fighter

fun

Thank you for being so inpiring...HAPPY HAPPY 60th Birthday Mrs. Churukian!!!! Here's to the next 60...keep living BIG...it's THE only way to live :)

love always,

the kim family

gavin, natalie and coco

kirk + michelle o

The Mushegans

Wendy, dear friend,

You are so special to us. We learn so much from you about how to live life. You show us how to value each day that God gives us by filling it with love and laughter. You are an example of serving others with care and concern, opening your home to those in need, hospitality, using your talents to bless others, generosity, persevering and trusting God in the most difficult of circumstances, and so much more. Thank you for teaching us so much! We love you and celebrate your life! Happy 60^th birthday, lovely lady!

Huggos,

Dave and Lorraine

The Twins

Dear Aunt Wendy,

When I think of you the first few words that come to my mind is loving, wise and fun to be around. You are always here for me whatever the situation may be. You have taught me so many things that I will cherish forever.... such as quilt making- " Always hand sew the bindings”, I will cherish the college quilt you made for me forever. Or how to make your famous raspberry jam - " always use a tall pot and be very carefully when pouring ". You have taught me so many delicious recipes and you are always patient with me, giving me step-by-step directions for Special Bread. Whenever I have a question I know you will have the answer...Thank you for helping me apply to colleges. When I need advice or someone to talk to you are always here for me and immediately brighten my day. Happy Birthday Aunt Wendy. The world is a better place because you are here. I love you!
Love-os
Crisy


Aunt Wendy is more than just an Aunt to me. Since the time I spent the semester living at the Churukian house while going to PCC she has been a mother figure to me. Her kindness, generosity, and loving nature are just a few words that describe her.
Sophomore year of high school she helped me make my "happy quilt" that did indeed take 4 years to finish. I even remember her telling me I had to sew the binding by hand and I thought she was nuts! She made the quilt in the picture for me when I turned 18 so that while I was away at Arizona State University I could think of the cabin whenever I got homesick.
Happy 60th birthday Aunt Wendy! I'm so glad you and your family are in my life. It just wouldn't be the same without you!

Love,

Caty

TWGWCPB

Over the weekend, I was thinking about possible highlights for my message. I remember quite a few fun Arrowhead trips, jacuzzi time after a big round table pepperoni pizza, and a very special evening with Heidi at the freshman homecoming dance in high school(yikes).

Then I started thinking about just how much time I used to spend over at your house and how both you and Missak were parents really for me through middle school and high school. Missak's even keel persona and work ethic are characteristics I remember vividly. Your firm discipline helped form me into the man I am today. The things you used to say to me like " Stop moonning the trick or treaters" helped me establish bondaries and grow out of adolescence....haa!

Andrew Wilson

Telma & Eric Altoon

Auntie Wendy is a strong, loving, wonderful, patient, kind and genuine person. She has always been welcoming and wonderful to me and has extended her love and support to my husband and I.

Auntie Wendy is a great mother and a fabulous wife. I am sure she is a fabulous grandmother as well. Eric and I love her dearly and wish her a great birthday with a long healthy life ahead of her.

t and e

Erica MacArthur

Happy Birthday Aunty Wendy!

I must say my thoughts are so many of you so I'll share just a few...As a little girl, a vivid memory I have is of the two of us sitting against the back of my parents sofa and you were simply talking with me. I felt special that you would spend time with me, and I remember thinking, "She is so beautiful! She has such pretty green eyes and high cheek bones!...and I love her long pretty hair!" :)
I know and appreciate that you and uncle made a concerted effort to build a relationship with me! Thank you for time and love!! Then as the years went by and I was growing, I loved sharing the Arrowhead summers with you and uncle!...the swims in the lake, talks about life, school, boys, and God...it was really impactful. I loved coming to your cabin after a ski race and having your delicious tacos (which is the way I prepare them for my kids!) sitting around your table and just hanging out! It was awesome.
I admire the fact that you are so well versed on such a myriad of topics. Our conversations are always stimulating and I respect that you are so knowledgeable in so many topics! And now, as a mother of four, you found time to call and check in on me and encourage me! THANK YOU! You have always been a source of encouragement in my life and I know that is a true blessing! I love you.
But a recent happening that stands out strongly in my mind, was when Lizzie fell out of a tree and punctured her face! Immediately I thought of you and uncle. You'll never know how the calmness and assurance of your voice and words ministered to me!!..and Lizzie!...then to find out that you left your plans in the mountains and drive to Pasadena to care for us....STILL OVERWHELMS me!! Your heart is huge! Your love is immense! Your care giving is ceaseless! THANK YOU! I'll never be able to thank you enough for all you have done for me, my children and family! The memories you have given me, as a child to even now, are warm in my heart. As a wife and mother, I admire your zeal and love for your husband and children. You are fervent for them...which I take to heart and share for my own. I watch and see how decisions are made for the benefit for all in your family and it is really neat. You are a wonderful wife and mother!!

I want you to know that I love you VERY much and think you are an amazing woman and Aunty!! :) I trust this birthday will be a special one. I hope you get a sense of how much I appreciate all you have done and its impacts are not only my life and my children's, but our whole family as well! May the Lord continue to bless you!! You are truly an "Awesome Aunty"!!

All my love,
Erika

Steve's Birthday Quilt

On my fiftieth birthday and after twenty years of friendship I felt close enough to "my Wendy" to demand a quilt. I didn't ask for it, I told her that on my fiftieth she was making me a quilt. A queen-size quilt at that. It was a running joke between Wendy and I. I knew the kind of time and work it would take to make such a thing...and I never truly expected it. Yet on my fiftieth birthday I was presented with the most wonderful gift anyone ever gave me... a Wendy Love Quilt. Without batting an eye I said to her, "Where's the dust ruffle and canopy." To which your mother said, "At Bullocks. Go out an buy one."

I love my quilt more than any gift I have ever gotten.. beside the gift of having Wendy in my life. I cherish my quilt. It and Wendy hold a very special place in my heart. I love her more than words can express. Happy Birthday Wendy Churukian, I'm really glad I can call you family.

love,

steve

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Dylan's Comfy Blanket

Wendy,

Thinking of you on your birthday! You have been like an aunt to us and we appreciate everything you have done for our family. Always thinking of others, we wanted to let you know your thoughtfulness is always appreciated. All that care is evident in the blanket you made for Dylan. He will keep it for years and years to come...

Happy birthday to a beautiful and wonderful person.

Love,

Mike, Alyssa and Dylan Mehnert

The Basmajians

Of course, Todd and I were honored to be the initial recipients of Aunt Wendy's love manifested in quilting - not just once, but twice by virtue of bearing the first two babies of our generation. As you can see, Aunt Wendy's quilt was the centerpiece of the decor in Troy's nursery where it was admired every day and he could look up at it from his crib.

The Phillips

I think the funniest thing about this quilt is that it was hung in the nursery just above the changing table. All of my children stared at it every time their diapers were changed. We would talk about Noah and the Ark and all the different animals, etc. ALL of my children, independent of each other, would count the animals two by two. When it came to the shark, however, there was only one. They were all extremely puzzled by this and asked why God did not like sharks. It has been a wonderful heirloom for our family. Many, many thanks!!

Dina and all Phillips

Adorable Andrew

Happy 60th Birthday Auntie Wendy!

Ryan and I would like to thank you for the beautiful quilt you made for Andrew. It has been a wonderful blanket for Andrew to play on. Andrew has been using this blanket since he was born. It is used everyday and has already been washed plenty of times, but of course still looks great. He plays on the blanket all the time though now he crawls off the blanket to places he should not be going! He loves his quilt so much and we know that it will always be a special part of his childhood. We know you made it with lots of love and we appreciate all the time and hard work you put into making it for Andrew. We hope you enjoy these pictures of Andrew on the quilt as much as we do. We love you very much and are so blessed that Andrew has an auntie as wonderful as you. May God bless you always. Love, Ryan, Laurice and Andrew