Rafie, Fariba's Obituary
Fariba Rafie, beloved mother, wife, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous 20-month battle with stage 4 lung cancer. Born on April 18, 1958, in Tehran, Iran, to Forough Panahi and Alireza Rafie, Fariba was an only child who cherished her childhood memories in Shemiran.
Fariba was a lifelong learner and a proud graduate of Hadaf High School, where she formed friendships that spanned over 50 years. Her exceptional academic achievements and proficiency in multiple languages earned her acceptance into universities in both France and the USA. She chose to pursue her passion for engineering at San Francisco State University, where she studied mechanical engineering, later earning her MBA from Golden Gate University. Fariba made significant contributions as a nuclear power plant engineer at PG&E before transitioning to project management in Silicon Valley.
In college, she met her husband, Shawn Farshchi, in a Calculus II class freshman year. Their love blossomed into a marriage on January 2, 1982, in Tiburon, California. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Annahita in 1985 and Roxanna in 1990, and later embraced son-in-law Brian and grandchildren Heidi June and Theodore (Teddy) John, who brought immense joy to her life. Fariba’s nurturing spirit was evident as she supported her family, often traveling to help care for her newborn grandchildren.
An exceptional cook, Fariba loved entertaining, always eager to create comforting meals, often experimenting with recipes. Her famous baklava became a cherished family tradition during Persian New Year. Fariba invented unique family traditions, blending Persian customs with her own imaginative ideas, ensuring her daughters grew up with rich cultural experiences.
Fariba had a zest for life, reveling in the beauty of San Francisco, exploring wine country, and enjoying the serenity of Lake Tahoe, where she built a vibrant community. A devoted caretaker, she selflessly cared for her mother during her illness and extended her compassion to friends in need. Her legacy of strength, kindness, and love will forever resonate with those she touched.
A tiny human with a big personality, Fariba was known for her infectious laughter and unwavering love for her family. She and Shawn shared more than four and a half joyous decades together. They were inseparable, and together made all their dreams come true.
Fariba is survived by her husband Shawn, daughters Annahita and Roxanna, son-in-law Brian, and grandchildren Heidi and Teddy. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, where her family invites friends and loved ones to share in her memory and the joy she brought to their lives.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the City of Hope Cancer Treatment and Research Center (https://www.cityofhope.org), directed to Dr. Salgia for lung cancer research, and in Fariba Rafie’s name.
What’s your fondest memory of Fariba?
What’s a lesson you learned from Fariba?
Share a story where Fariba's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Fariba you’ll never forget.
How did Fariba make you smile?