In life, I sought to bring warmth and light to those around me. In passing, I hope to continue this mission. Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to the Bahá'í Faith, a cause dear to my heart. Your contribution will help foster education, community service, and spiritual growth. Let’s build a better world together.
Your generosity will help continue Rooha’s mission of love, unity, and service. Every contribution makes a difference.
Celebration of Life and Prayer Gathering (Jaleseh Tazakor):
Following the burial ceremony, we will be holding a celebration of life and prayer gathering to honor Rooha’s memory and reflect on her impact on our lives.
Date and Time:
Sunday, June 30, at 6:00 pm
Location: Bellevue Bahá'í Center
16007 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98008
We look forward to sharing memories, prayers, and reflections with all who join us in this special gathering. If you plan to join us for the dinner,
Please text "YES" to 760-933-8829
to confirm your attendance so we can count you for dinner.
Thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time.
Your generosity will help continue Rooha’s mission of love, unity, and service. Every contribution makes a difference.
Prayer Gathering (Jaleseh Tazakor) Live
For those who cannot join us in person, we have arranged a live Zoom call for the prayer gathering. Click here to join the Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 606 080 0999
Passcode: 276759
The Last Letter
Guided by Vision and Insight
"Rooha Mirzaie dedicated her life to seeing the world through the lens of unity and love. She believed in the vision of a united humanity and worked tirelessly to foster understanding and harmony among all people. Her insight and wisdom continue to inspire us to look beyond our differences and embrace the beauty of our shared humanity."
Embodying Compassion and Service
"Rooha's life was a testament to the power of compassion. She devoted herself to serving others, always extending a hand of kindness to those in need. Inspired by Bahá'í teachings, she believed that true service to humanity is the highest form of worship. Her legacy of compassion continues to light our path, encouraging us to serve with love and humility."
Fostering Unity and Collaboration
"Rooha Mirzaie was a champion of unity, tirelessly working to bring people together. She understood that collaboration and mutual support are key to building a better world. Drawing from the Bahá'í principle of the oneness of humanity, Rooha's efforts in fostering unity and collaboration remain a guiding light for us, reminding us that together, we can achieve greatness."
WHO WAS ROOHA MIRZAIE
A Beacon of Love and Resilience
Rooha Mirzaie was an extraordinary woman whose life was a testament to resilience, love, and unwavering faith. Rooha's early years were characterized by significant difficulties and challenges because she was born in the southern Persian city of Yazd.
Early Life
Rooha was born into a loving Bahá'í family, the cherished daughter of BabaMamdJafar and Soltan. She had three brothers and one sister, and their family was tightly knit, thriving on love and mutual support. However, their peace was shattered when Rooha was just seven years old. Those who could not accept their Bahá' faith attacked and burned down their home in a tragic act of intolerance. The family was forced to flee, seeking refuge in the city of Shiraz, where they hoped to rebuild their lives.
A Journey Marked by Struggle and Hope
Growing up in Shiraz, Rooha faced a world of injustice and difficulty. Despite the adversities, she remained a beacon of positivity and gratitude. Her heart was always filled with joy, and her spirit was unbroken. Even in the face of such tremendous trials, Rooha saw beauty in life and maintained an unwavering faith in humanity.
At the tender age of 16, Rooha married and began a new chapter of her life. However, the challenges did not end. Twice more, she experienced the heartbreak of seeing her home burned and her belongings stolen, all because of her faith. Now with three young children, the trials were even more daunting. Yet, Rooha's response was always one of grace and forgiveness. She prayed for those who wronged her, holding no malice in her heart.
A Life of Service and Compassion
Rooha's life was defined by her service to others. She dedicated herself to helping those around her in any way she could. Her kindness knew no bounds, and her door was always open to those in need. Whether it was offering a comforting word, a warm meal, or a helping hand, Rooha was there.
Her unwavering faith and positive outlook on life inspired everyone who knew her. She taught her children and all those around her the power of forgiveness and the importance of seeing the good in every situation. Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and boundless compassion.
Rooha Mirzaie was truly an angel on this earth, a beacon of light in the darkest of times. Her legacy of love and service continues to inspire and guide us, reminding us of the power of faith, forgiveness, and the indomitable human spirit.
"Sew to Save Lives"
campaign is a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times, a single act of kindness can light up the world. Her story encourages us all to step up, give back, and make a difference in our communities, just as she did with such grace and humility.
Giving Back: Rooha's Campaigns of Kindness
Sew to Save Lives: A Pandemic Heroine
During the height of the pandemic, when the world faced unprecedented challenges and a dire shortage of protective masks, Rooha Mirzaie once again demonstrated her extraordinary spirit of giving and compassion. With a heart full of love and a desire to help, Rooha, along with her devoted husband, embarked on a mission to protect those in need.
Recognizing the critical need for masks, Rooha and Mr. B decided to take action. Together, they launched a heartwarming campaign they aptly named "Sew to Save Lives."
Day and night, they worked tirelessly, sewing masks to donate to their community. Their efforts were nothing short of heroic.
Over the course of the campaign, Rooha and Mr. B managed to sew an incredible 1,573 masks. These masks were distributed to healthcare workers, essential employees, and vulnerable individuals who needed them the most. Each mask represented not just a piece of fabric, but a lifeline, a symbol of hope, and a testament to Rooha’s unwavering dedication to helping others.
Rooha was incredibly happy with the outcome of their work. Her heart was filled with joy knowing that she could make a difference during such a challenging time. She never sought recognition or praise for her deeds; her greatest reward was the knowledge that she had helped save lives and brought comfort to those in need.
Giving Back: Rooha's Secret Acts of Kindness
Rooha was able to feed over 464 hungry children
Feeding Hungry Kids: A Silent Guardian
Rooha Mirzaie’s compassion and generosity knew no bounds. Beyond her well-known acts of kindness, she also engaged in many selfless deeds that she kept secret, embodying the true spirit of altruism. One such heartfelt endeavor was her involvement with a nonprofit organization called Rice Bowls.
Rice Bowls is dedicated to feeding hungry children around the world, providing sustenance and hope to those in desperate need. Rooha, moved by the plight of these children, decided to join their cause. Over the span of five years, she consistently donated to this organization, quietly and without seeking recognition.
Through her unwavering commitment and generous contributions, Rooha was able to feed over 464 hungry children. Each donation she made helped provide essential nutrition to children who otherwise might have gone without. Her dedication to this cause was a true testament to her boundless empathy and her belief in the power of giving.
Rooha never mentioned her contributions to anyone, not because she didn’t value them, but because she believed that the true reward was in the act of giving itself. For her, the joy came from knowing that she was making a difference in the lives of these children, even if no one else knew about it.
Her secret acts of kindness reveal a deeper layer of her character—one that is profoundly humble, selfless, and deeply compassionate. Rooha’s legacy is not just about the visible acts of service she performed but also the silent, unseen ways in which she made the world a better place.
Rooha was able to feed over 464 hungry children
Personal Life: A Legacy of Sacrifice, Strength, and Love
Rooha Mirzaie's life was a testament to the boundless love and sacrifices of a devoted mother. Born and raised in Iran, Rooha made an extraordinary decision that would forever change her family's destiny. She gave up everything they had built back home and immigrated to the United States in the hopes of giving her children a better life. Her unwavering dedication to her daughters, Mona, Sepideh, and Nillo, was the driving force behind this courageous move.
A Mother's Sacrifice
In the pursuit of a brighter future, Rooha faced immense challenges. Leaving her homeland, her culture, and everything familiar was no easy feat. But she did it all with a smile, embodying the true spirit of motherhood. After two years of hard work and perseverance, she successfully brought her family to the United States, settling in Seattle, WA. The joy of reuniting with her children and watching them thrive in their new environment was unparalleled.
Enduring Tragedy with Grace
Life's journey took a heart-wrenching turn when Rooha's daughter, Sepideh, tragically passed away in a car accident at the tender age of 18. This devastating loss plunged Rooha into profound grief, anxiety, and depression. The entire family was shaken to its core, but for Rooha, the pain was unimaginable. Despite the immense support from her loved ones and her deep faith, the road to recovery was long and arduous. Yet, Rooha's strength and resilience shone through as she navigated this dark chapter of her life.
A Heart Full of Compassion
In the face of her sorrow, Rooha channeled her grief into acts of kindness and service. She devoted herself to various non-profit organizations, cooking meals for the homeless, and volunteering to support children in her community. Rooha's dedication to helping others became a beacon of hope for many. She managed to remain strong for her other children, always providing them with love and support.
Connecting with Souls
Rooha's ability to connect with people was remarkable. Despite never completing her ESL classes after Sepideh's accident, she had a unique gift of connecting with others on a spiritual level. Her heart was so big that she formed deep, meaningful friendships with countless individuals. Rooha's intelligence and quick learning were evident in her love for technology. She mastered her iPad and iPhone, exploring and figuring out various features on her own.
A Green Thumb and a Joyful Spirit
Rooha had a passion for gardening, and her green thumb was legendary. Her kids often joked that even a wooden stick would grow into a tree if she planted it. Her garden was a testament to her nurturing spirit and love for life. Rooha always radiated happiness and gratitude, even in the face of immense loss. She believed that God had given her a gift and taken it back for reasons beyond her understanding, and she accepted this with grace.
A Loving Family
Rooha's family was her pride and joy. She was blessed with four daughters and one son, all of whom have married and started families of their own. Her eldest daughter, Parry, has three sons, one of whom is already married and has a child. Firozeh, another daughter, lives in Canada with her son, who adores his grandmother. Nillo, her youngest daughter, lives in Turkey with her husband, where they are both successful and deeply love their mother. Mona, along with her husband, resides in Seattle and cherishes Rooha's presence in their lives. Her son, Fred, and his wife, Jackie, also live in Seattle but travel frequently, always keeping Rooha close to their hearts.
A Lifelong Friend
Rooha had an incredible ability to make friends. She maintained five phone books filled with contacts, often reaching out to people during their difficult times or when they least expected it. Her calls were filled with Bahá'í prayers and words of encouragement, lifting the spirits of everyone she spoke to. Rooha's kindness and respect for others were unmatched, and she never hurt a soul in her entire life.
Rooha Mirzaie's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, sacrifice, resilience, and compassion. Her legacy is one of unwavering strength, boundless kindness, and an indomitable spirit that continues to inspire all who know her. She was a true angel on earth, and her story is a testament to the profound impact one person can have on the lives of many.
Prayer for the Departed
In the Bahá'í Faith, life after death is a continuation of the soul's journey towards God. This prayer, which 'Abdu'l-Bahá revealed, provides consolation and hope by reminding us of the soul's eternal nature and the assurance of a spiritual reunion.
O my God! O Thou forgiver of sins, Bestower of gifts, Dispeller of afflictions! Verily, I beseech Thee to forgive the sins of such as have abandoned the physical garment and have ascended to the spiritual world. O my Lord! Purify them from trespasses, dispel their sorrows, and change their darkness into light. Cause them to enter the garden of happiness, cleanse them with the most pure water, and grant them to behold Thy splendors on the loftiest mount." —
`Abdu'l-Bahá
"Glory be to Thee, O Lord my God! Thou seest me in my loneliness and weakness, occupied with that which hath distracted me from remembering Thee and hath kept me back from Thy love. Suffer me not, I beseech Thee, O Lord, to be shut out as by a veil from Thee, and to be far removed from Thee. Break down before me the barriers that have intervened between me and Thy forgiveness and Thy mercy, and supply me with every good thing sent down by Thee in Thy Book. Incline mine ear, O Lord, to the melodies of the Dove that celebrate Thy praise in the highest branches of the Tree of Thy oneness, that I may forget my own melodies and melodies of all else except Thee."
— Bahá'u'lláh
LET'S DRIVE CHANGE
A little bit about the work of Baha'is in America...
“The oneness of humanity is far more than a slogan or an abstract and unattainable ideal. It has profound implications for both personal behavior and for the way society is organized― challenging many current assumptions and revolutionizing our conceptions of the relationships that should exist between the individual, society, and its institutions.”
With this bold reminder of the power of the teachings of Baha’u’llah to influence our world toward greater unity and love, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States has given America a call to action: “Awareness of the spiritual reality of human beings carries with it the moral requirement that all be given every opportunity to fulfill their potential and to contribute to the advancement of civilization.
To this end, we have a twofold mission: to develop within our own community a pattern of life that increasingly reflects the spirit of the Bahá’í teachings, and to engage with others in a deliberate and collaborative effort to eradicate the ills afflicting our nation. “A rich tapestry of community life that increasingly reflects the sublime teachings of the Blessed Beauty will not emerge of its own accord. The evils of racism, materialism, and moral decadence will be eradicated only by a love that is translated into action―such actions as deliberately going out of our way to befriend all, appreciating the indispensable contributions of all, and joining hands with all in the creation of a new world.”
Read the entire statement at https://www.bahai.us/beliefs/pivotal-time-in-america/
Tributes and Memories: Honoring Rooha Mirzaie
Fred Yalmeh
Mom was a remarkable woman whose love and strength knew no bounds. Her warmth and kindness made everyone feel valued and loved. She welcomed Jackie into our family with open arms, treating her like her own daughter from the start.
Mom had an incredible ability to connect with people deeply and spiritually. Despite language barriers, she communicated her love and wisdom effortlessly. Her home was a sanctuary of peace and happiness, where friends and family gathered to share stories, laughter, and prayers. Her resilience, especially after the tragic loss of my sister Sepideh, was awe-inspiring.
Mom's creativity and intelligence were evident in everything she did. She had a magical touch with gardening and was surprisingly tech-savvy, navigating her iPad and iPhone with ease.
I am forever grateful for the lessons she taught us and the love she shared. Her legacy of kindness, faith, and resilience will live on in our hearts. I miss you deeply, Mom, and find comfort knowing your spirit continues to guide and inspire us every day.
Thank you Mom, for bringing me into the world, and prepared me in the best way possible. Love you forever.
Jacklin Yalmeh
From the moment I met Mom, she treated me with the utmost love and respect, welcoming me into the family as her own daughter. Her kindness and generosity were unparalleled.
Mom had a unique way of making everyone feel special and valued. Her home was always open, and she created a warm and inviting atmosphere. Her faith in the Bahá'í teachings was unwavering, and she lived those principles every day, embodying the spirit of service and compassion.
Despite facing tremendous challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Sepideh, Mom remained strong and devoted herself to helping others. Her resilience and dedication were truly inspiring.
Mom was incredibly talented and intelligent. She loved gardening and had a magical touch with plants, often saying that even a stick would turn into a tree with her care. She was also very adept with technology, often figuring out new things on her iPad and iPhone on her own.
I am grateful for every moment I spent with Mom and for the love she showed me. Her legacy of kindness, faith, and unwavering strength will always be a guiding light in my life. I miss you dearly, Mom, and I am forever thankful for the love and wisdom you shared with us.
Mona Yalmeh
Rooha was more than a mother; she was a best friend and confidante. Her laughter was contagious, and her wisdom profound.
She could connect with people even without speaking the same language. Her strength and love have shaped who I am today. Thank you, Mom, for everything.
Your legacy of love will live on through us.
Parry Yalmeh
Mom was the embodiment of love and resilience. Despite all the hardships she faced, her spirit remained unbroken, and her faith unwavering.
She was a beacon of light in our lives and taught us the true meaning of compassion and forgiveness. I will forever cherish the memories and the lessons she imparted.
Rest in peace, dear Mom. You will always be in our hearts.
Firozeh Yalmeh
Mom, you were my rock and my guide. Your strength and love knew no bounds, and I am forever grateful for the lessons you taught me. Despite the challenges and hardships, you always found a way to bring light into our lives.
Your unwavering faith and positivity inspired me to be a better person every day. I miss you deeply and cherish every moment we shared. Your legacy of love and resilience will continue to guide and inspire us.
Nillo Yalmeh
Mom, you were the heart and soul of our family. Your love and support were always there, no matter the distance.
Your dedication to us and to your community was truly inspiring. You taught me the importance of kindness, service, and resilience. Even though you are no longer with us, your spirit lives on in everything we do.
I am grateful for every moment we had together and will always carry your lessons and love in my heart.
The Light of Love and Resilience
By Fred Yalmeh
Introduction
This poem, "The Light of Love and Resilience," is dedicated to the loving memory of my dear mother, Rooha Mirzaie. Her life was a beacon of strength, compassion, and unwavering love. Through this poem, I aim to capture the essence of her spirit and the profound impact she had on all who knew her.
Personal Reflection
As I penned these verses, I was reminded of the countless ways my mother touched our lives. Her resilience in the face of adversity and her boundless love were sources of inspiration that I will carry with me forever. This poem is a tribute to her enduring legacy and the light she brought into our world.
Rooha, angel of love and light, come
Your memory shines in Framarz's heart, come
A daughter of Yazd, amidst fire and smoke,
To Shiraz she came, with hope and patience, come
Three times your home burned, heart full of pain,
With forgiveness and prayer, for all, come
Your smile and kindness, a guiding light,
In the darkness, shining bright, come
You welcomed Jacklin with open arms,
Like a daughter from the heart, come
Mona, Parvaneh, Firozeh, and Nilo,
With love and memory of you, our guide, come
Now with Sepideh in heavenly peace,
Hand in hand, in serenity, come
With "Sew to Save Lives", you saved souls,
A thousand masks, a sign of your endless love, come
For hungry children, with a generous heart,
Four hundred sixty-four lives, you brightened, come
In your garden, flowers bloom, on every branch,
Even a dry stick, in your hands, comes to life, come
Amidst technology, intelligence, and wisdom,
iPad and iPhone, tools in your hands, come
The spirit of my hope in this dark night, still
Awaits you, oh my wishes, come
Art for a Cause: Honoring Rooha Mirzaie's Legacy
Celebrate the legacy of Rooha Mirzaie through the beauty and spirituality of art. Jacklin Yalmeh, Rooha's loving daughter-in-law, has created three exquisite oil paintings as part of her Bahá'í arts gallery. These masterpieces, lovingly framed with care and devotion, are now available for purchase.
100% of the proceeds from these sales will be donated to the Bahá'í Fund, continuing Rooha's spirit of giving and her deep love for her faith. Each painting not only enriches your home with its artistic beauty but also contributes to a noble cause, honoring Rooha's life, legacy, and her unwavering dedication to helping others.
ABDUL'BAHA
Oil On Canvas
Painting: D023
Size: 24"x 30" $8500 $2500
MAHDI
Oil On Canvas
Painting: C120
Size: 24"x 30" $7500 $2500
ABDUL'BAHA
Oil On Canvas
Painting: D677
Size: 24"x 30" $8500 $2500
ABDUL'BAHA
Print On Canvas
Printing: D023P
Size: 24"x 30" $8500 $2500
$495
MAHDI
Print On Canvas
Printing: C120P
Size: 24"x 30" $7500 $2500
$495
ABDUL'BAHA
Print On Canvas
Printing: D677P
Size: 24"x 30" $8500 $2500