Giti (Haghighat) Abbasian

In 1962, she earned her degree in social work from the Tehran School of Social Work, a field that perfectly suited her natural empathy and deep sense of purpose.

The following year, Giti was selected as one of only two students awarded a fully funded internship at Cleveland Metro Hospital in the United States — a rare and prestigious opportunity at the time.

In 1964, she married her beloved husband, Kavous. After the births of their two children, Javid and Ramona, Giti returned to the workforce, bringing with her not only professional skill but a rare gift for human connection. She gave herself wholeheartedly to her work, building deep bonds with those she helped and mentored.

With the guidance of a trusted mentor, Giti eventually became one of the most respected and beloved faculty members at the Tehran School of Social Work — the very institution where her journey began.

In 1979, during a period of mass exodus following the Iranian Revolution, Giti and Kavous made the difficult decision to leave their home country. At the age of 39, she resettled with her family in the United States, determined to build a new life.

A couple of years later, when it became clear that returning to Iran was no longer an option, Giti and Kavous poured their energy into entrepreneurship, opening the first of three dry cleaning businesses. Together, they built a stable and loving home, raising their children with the same values of resilience, hard work, and compassion that defined their own lives.

Giti was known for her fierce optimism, unwavering love for family and friends, and unbound pride for her grandson Kameron.

She faced life’s challenges — including a second battle with breast cancer — with courage, grace, and quiet strength.

She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, knowing just how deeply she was cherished.