Agnes Bagdazian Loquaci

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Agnes Lucy Loquaci, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully snuggled safely in her home surrounded by her family on April 23, 2022, 18 days after celebrating her 94th birthday.

Agnes was born in Fresno, Calif on April 5, 1928 to Albert and Lucy Bagdazian. Five years later her sister Margie was born. She grew up on a farm in Mendota, Calif. surrounded by cantaloupes and pomegranate trees. She attended Tranquility High School where she played the drums in the school band. After graduating in 1947, she attended business college in Fresno while living at the YWCA. Returning to Mendota to work for a CPA, Agnes met the love of her life – Edward Loquaci of Madera. They were married in 1950 and soon thereafter welcomed son Stephen in 1951, daughter Carol in 1952 and daughter Gail in 1961.

During their early years they tended to the family farm and became actively involved in the Young Farmers and Young Homemakers Clubs. Mom was volunteer room mother while her children attended elementary school, assisted with Cub Scouts, 4-H and Campfire Girls functions and meetings. She became an enthusiastic Madera High School booster. Weekends included many rousing and hard-fought Pinochle games with their long-time friends. During her 40s golf became Mom’s passion, and along with dad spent many years traveling to various courses. Hawaii held especially fond memories. Football was her sport to watch, which included her son’s and grandsons’ games.

Agnes was truly a treasured friend to many. Her home (and kitchen) was always open for family and friends, and the schoolmates of her kids. She was blessed with a gift of hospitality and compassion for others, a keen sense of humor, always a smile on her face, and a positive outlook on life even after dad passed away 20 years earlier. Lunches with “the girls” was a weekly event, and when she would forget to turn on her cell phone, we knew the usual restaurants to track her down.

As saddened as we are to lose Mom, we are very grateful to have had her for such a long fulfilling life, for all her care packages, soft-spoken words of wisdom, and handing down her love of food and celebrations. She would frequently say how very proud she was of her children and grandchildren, not recognizing that it was she and dad who served as role models for the family. Her last words and thoughts were of her family and keeping up the traditions she loved so dearly.

Agnes was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Lucy Bagdazian, husband Edward, and brother-in-law Robert Loquaci. She is survived by her children Stephen Loquaci (wife Kim) of San Jose, Carol Yrulegui (husband Rich) of Fresno and Gail Loquaci-Weber (husband Tom) of Clovis; sister Margie Nordstrom (husband Neil) of Lemoore, sister-in-law Dora Loquaci of Madera; Grandchildren Delia Cholakian (husband Matt) of Fresno, Alexis Jones (husband Nathan) of Chicago, Mitchell Loquaci (fiancée Amanda) of Morgan Hill, Kevin Loquaci of San Francisco, Gage Weber at UC Santa Cruz; Great-grandchildren Dominic and Danica Cholakian, Hugh and Lucy Jones, five nephews and their wives and families.

We would like to thank Mom’s wonderful caregivers, CeCe, Lila, Mary and Julia, for their extraordinarily loving care of Mom.

Following a private family service, we invite you to join us at 11:30 a.m. at Birdstone Winery for a Celebration of Life Luncheon on Monday, May 2, 2022.