Afsarkhanom Rafiei

Afsar Khanom Rafiei was born on January 24th, 1934 in Isfahan, Iran. She was the youngest of 11 siblings. Her father, Darab Mirza, was a descendent of Qajar dynasty, and her mother, Galeen Khanom Mosaffa, was the educated daughter of Mirza Agha Khan Mosaffa, the founder of Eli-yeh School - one of the first modern schools in Isfahan.

She studied at Shah-dokht & Behesht Aeen High Schools in Isfahan, where along her studies, she showed a great deal of interest in crafts such as embroidery, knitting and crocheting. She married Mr. Naser Rafiei in 1953, and moved to Masjid Suleiman with her husband who was a school teacher. Later, in 1954, the family moved to Tehran, where Naser attended university. In 1956, their daughter, Roya, was born. Upon completion of Naser’s studies, the family relocated to Masjid Suleiman in 1958, where he later became the principal of Amirkabir and Mohammad Reza Shah high schools. It was there that Afsar also began a successful career in education as a teacher. In 1965, their son Ramin was born. Several years later, she and her family moved to Tehran. She continued teaching in various schools and was recognized for her excellence in teaching several times during her career.

Afsar Khanom played a vital and critical role in her children’s education and success. Her daughter, Roya, earned her Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, and lives in Vancouver with her husband Reza.  Her son, Ramin earned his Bachelor's degree in Business and lives in the U.S. with his wife Mitra.  She was a kind, gentle, and caring person who was loved by friends and family.  She enjoyed bringing family and friends together for joyous occasions. She was very supportive of her children and their goals in all aspects of life.  Not only she loved her own children, but also played a big part in helping raise her grandchildren Kaveh and Maryam.  She loved her grandchildren very much and was very proud of their achievements.

Afsar Khanom was an avid traveler and enjoyed visiting different national and international destinations. She traveled with her husband across Europe, U.S.A., Canada, and undertook pilgrimage to Mecca. She was interested in gardening and helped local charities in Iran.

After retirement and later in life she and her husband moved to Vancouver to join their daughter and later became proud Canadian citizens. After the passing of her husband in 2010, she was cared for and loved by her beloved daughter Roya and son-in-law Reza, in every aspect of life. She lived life to the fullest and passed away peacefully in her sleep in February 2021 at age 87. She is buried in North Vancouver Cemetery. She will be missed dearly.