Forough Nazeri Shirvani

Forough Azam Nazeri Shirvani passed away peacefully at her home in Houston, Texas, on August 27, 2024. She was born 91 years prior on May 5, 1933, in Isfahan, Iran, and went on to live a long and colorful life surrounded by the love of her devoted husband of 48 years, Hossein Shirvani; her older sister Parvaneh Kasrai; her four children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and the countless other friends and family that filled her life with joy.

She was a fierce woman. Anyone who knew her will undoubtedly remember her poise and elegance, the captivating beauty of her voice, the style and chicness she brought to any occasion, and the steadfast devotion she showed to her family. She was a vibrant entertainer and loved to be around others, just as much as others loved to be in her company.

She was also an accomplished educator, working for almost 30 years in Iran—first as a primary and home economics teacher and eventually working her way up to the head of a rural college and then assistant principal of the largest all-girl high school in Isfahan. Her career was built alongside that of her husband’s in the military—they moved frequently, and in each new city or town, Forough would become actively involved in the social and philanthropic fabric of their community. This includes the three years they spent in Fort Knox, Kentucky, in the early 1960s where Hossein earned his graduate degree in tank warfare and Forough hosted extraordinary dinner parties and showcased her very best fashion sense.

After leaving her beloved Iran in 1982 with her two youngest children, Forough was reunited with her husband and two eldest children in the United States. Over the next 40 years, half of them with Hossein by her side, a rich new life was established in Houston. The many friends, mehmoonies, and laughter that filled the second half of her life is a testament to the magnetism and charisma she exuded.

We miss her dearly but take solace in knowing her legacy will live on in our hearts and memories. Forough is survived by her sister Parvaneh; her daughters Shoaleh, Sharareh, and Shiva; her son Ali Reza; her grandchildren Neda, Naveed, Narya, Delara, Monet, Melody, Milana, Ryan, and Aryana; and her great-grandchildren Elinor, Everett, and Evelyn.

A funeral service for Forough will be held Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, Texas 77079.

Following the funeral service will be a committal service at 1:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, Texas 77079.

A lunch and reception will take place at 2:00 PM at Hyatt Regency Houston West, 13210 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079.