Taherah Soltani-Duncan

Taherah and family came from Iran in the early 1970's. She was eternally thankful for her oldest brother who, after getting a degree in the U. S., went back to Iran and convinced their parents to send her three sisters and brother to the U. S. The oldest of three sisters she assumed responsibility as the "mom." They lived separately with various families but later lived together with one family. Even with the "parents" in the home, she took the responsibility to protect them. Taherah never saw her mother again after leaving Iran. Her father did visit and was present when she, her sisters and brother lived together. She attended universities and ultimately received a master's degree. As a close-knit family, she and her siblings would take road trips enjoying being together. They have been forever grateful to their oldest brother who gave them their new lives in America. I was lucky to meet her and become a friend and later we grew closer and romance led to marriage. She wanted to pay forward her good fortune of the advantages of America, and we brought our daughter from Asia to the U. S. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1991 it was not very impactful as we traveled the world. Taherah climbed castles in Europe, the Great Wall of China, pyramids in Egypt, mountains in Austria and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Sadly, the M. S. began erasing her body. Over the past years she lost use of her legs, arms, hands and her voice. Taherah was strong and willing to fight but the disease caused so much damage. Taherah left us on May 1 as her family stood by holding her. Now we grieve and find comfort that she is no longer restrained in her body. Those who knew her we ask that you think of her and remember the laughter. The legacy that Taherah left behind includes her husband, Paul, her children, Claire, Benet and Benjamin; her sisters, Taybeh and Zahra; her brother, Ali; nieces and nephews around the world. What we would want to share is something she told us to remember, "your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card and the way you make others feel is your trademark."

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