MaryAlice Kaloostian, a longtime Fresno County political staffer who worked for three straight California State Senators, passed away on Thursday, the office of Senator Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno) announced Friday.
“It is with great sadness that I share the passing of MaryAlice Kaloostian, a long-time respected staff member for the California Legislature,” Borgeas said in a statement. “During her tenure, she served former Assemblyman and Senator Chuck Poochigian, Senator Dave Cogdill and Senator Tom Berryhill. She then retired to travel and spend time with her family. I want to extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends.”
Kaloostian last served Berryhill through his term expiration in 2018 as District Director.
Shortly after Kaloostian’s passing was announced, numerous politicos, elected officials, and friends took to Twitter to post remembrances of a public service mentor.
This is very sad. MaryAlice was one of the first people I met when I started covering politics for The Bee. She was a very dedicated staffer, no matter her boss. https://t.co/GCaXrEswtC— John Ellis (@johnellis24) May 10, 2019
This is so sad. MaryAlice was so dedicated but most of all a great and caring person. She will be missed. https://t.co/Tuv4DlVHIZ— Bobby Kahn (@bobby_kahn) May 10, 2019
I ❤️ MAK. She was amazing. #RIP https://t.co/2F5Pche618— 👨🏾💻 [George Andrews] (@gjandrews) May 11, 2019
Saddened to hear this. MaryAlice worked with us at Fresno High when she was with Gottschalks. Smart, savvy, and considerate.— Delaine Zody (@dkzody) May 11, 2019
Our hearts are saddened by her loss and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.— Paul Caprioglio (@PaulCaprioglio) May 11, 2019
Mary Alice always had a smile and treated everyone fairly. I was honored to have known her. #RIP— Sarah Reyes (@SarahBHC) May 11, 2019
A huge loss for the Valley. She will be missed. https://t.co/onadyC5CSH— Blake Zante (@BlakeZante) May 10, 2019
Sad to hear. She was an incredible person. https://t.co/wtC7dxfFMT— George M. Villagrana (@gmvillagrana) May 11, 2019
A memorial service will be held at Fresno’s Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church on Wednesday, May 15.
