Princess Gohar Rafie Akhavan

PRINCESS GOHAR RAFIE AKHAVAN My mother-in-law, our mother, our grandmother, Princess Gohar Rafie Akhavan, passed away at home in her sleep on May 17, 2012. She had been ill for a number of years. She was born in Iran but escaped the Khomeini regime in 1985 with her husband and came to live in El Paso. In Iran she saw the fall of the Quajar dynasty and experienced the rise and fall of the Pahlavi dynasty. She was a proud U.S. Citizen. Even though a princess from a royal Persian background (Quajar dynasty) she was an innocent and caring lady who truly tried to be a friend to all persons. She always showed respect to everyone. She was given in marriage at an early age, as was the custom, by her family since her father was deceased; she actually took her doll with her to her wedding. She maintained that quality of innocence throughout her life. Her royal quality was always at the forefront in her demeanor. An old proverb says that God knew that he could not be everywhere so he made mothers. God also knew that when mothers grow weary of life’s work, he blesses them, touches them gently, and lets them sleep. She never met a stranger and I’m certain that in that place we know as heaven, she is happily greeting people with that warm and beautiful smile. We loved you dearly, Mama Joonam. Graveside Services will be held in Michigan at a later date. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West.