Ganelle Shooshanian

Ganelle Shooshanian, age 92, of Dearborn, Michigan, passed away on March 29, 2026.

She was born on August 28, 1933, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, to Audro and Margaret Sahagoff.

Ganelle attended Roulo Elementary School and Salina Middle School and then graduated from Fordson High School in 1950.  While raising her five children, she completed both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Michigan.

Ganelle dedicated her professional life to education, serving as a respected counselor and administrator with Dearborn Public Schools for over 25 years.  She spent much of her career at her beloved Fordson High School, where she was known for her patience, attentive listening, and unwavering support of both teachers and students.  Her leadership left a lasting impact on the school community and all who had the privilege of working with her.

She was married to Ara “Harry” Shooshanian for 64 years.  He was truly the love of her life, and their marriage was the foundation of everything she held dear.  Together, they built a life centered on devotion, partnership, and family.  He preceded her in death in 2018.

Ganelle’s greatest joy and proudest legacy was her family.  She is survived by her children: Mark Shooshanian (Barb), Marla Sherlock, Myra Payne (Rich), Maria Shooshanian (Ken) and Matt Shooshanian (Jennifer).  She was a devoted grandmother to Casey Sherlock (Rachel), Kristi Potts (Jeff), Jamy Hesburn (Kyle), Keri Shooshanian, Michael Shooshanian (Alex), Justin Payne, Sam Shooshanian and Hannah Shooshanian.  She was a loving great-grandmother to MJ, Cole, Kendall, Braden, Alex, Mason, Jack, Leo and Nash.  She was a loving godmother to Mitchell Shoushanian, Nicole Alashaian, Elizabeth Oknayan, Sona Manzo and Andrew Shoushanian.

She loved nothing more than having her family together and created countless cherished memories through those gatherings. An academic at heart, Ganelle had a passion for learning as well as for cooking and baking—skills she lovingly passed down to her children and grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, wisdom, and the deep love she gave so freely to her family and community.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church or The Manoogian Manor.

Private family service.

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