Iran Etessam's Obituary
Iran was born in 1939, a time when the world was on the brink of profound change. Born to a Russian mother and a Turkish father, she entered this world in the early days of World War II—a time that shaped a generation defined by resilience, strength, and adaptability. She was the third daughter in a family of five children. Her older sisters, Lila and Elmira, helped shape her early years, while her bond with her younger sister Giti remained strong throughout her life. Her younger brother Adel, who departed before her, held a special place in her heart.
Iran grew up in Tehran during a period of rapid modernization and cultural blending. From an early age, she exhibited a quiet strength and a deep sense of self. After finishing high school, she pursued a career in the beauty industry, studying esthetics and hairstyling. She opened a small salon in her home, where she built a reputation for excellence, grace, and hospitality. She was a self-thought tailor, making many dresses for her sister and friends, creating beautiful quilts, and even making her own wedding dress and veil. She had an eye for detail, a natural flair for design, and the kind of warmth that made her clients feel more like friends.
She met her future husband, Iraj, at various family gatherings during her early teens. Their lives would diverge for a time—while Iraj went abroad to pursue a PhD in architecture in Florence, Italy, Iran remained in Tehran, building her own life and career. But destiny has a way of reuniting those meant to be together. One evening, as fate would have it, Iraj spotted Iran and her mother at a movie theater. He was stunned. The young teen he once knew had grown into a beautiful and graceful woman of 22. Without hesitation, he approached them and asked a bold question: “Are you married?” Her simple “no” was the beginning of a new chapter.
They married a year later, embarking on a partnership rooted in respect, shared values, and a mutual appreciation for the arts and intellect. Together, they had two daughters—Lili and Shirin—whom Iran poured her entire heart into raising. While Iraj worked tirelessly as an architect and university professor, Iran created a warm, nurturing, and joyful home for her family. She was fiercely dedicated to her children’s upbringing, instilling in them the importance of education, character, and independence. She taught by example—living with integrity, grace, and strength.
Iran was an avid tennis player and swimmer. She was a modern woman ahead of her time. She believed in women’s empowerment, not through speeches or protests, but through everyday choices: pursuing education, expressing creativity, managing a household with dignity, and raising daughters who would become independent thinkers and achievers. Her home was always filled with life, laughter, and the aroma of incredible food. She was a brilliant cook, known for her hospitality and generosity. Her parties, family vacations, and elegant yet welcoming home became the talk of the town.
In 1976, as political unrest grew in Iran, the family made the difficult decision to leave their homeland. They moved first to San Jose, California, and then to Seattle, Washington in 1980. It was a time of reinvention and resilience. In a new country and culture, Iran once again showed her strength and adaptability. She enrolled in classes for interior design—an extension of her lifelong love for beauty and harmony in the home. After completing her studies, she joined Iraj’s architectural firm, adding her unique sensibilities as an interior designer to their residential projects. Their collaboration was not just professional—it was a beautiful blend of vision, trust, and shared creativity.
Iran’s life was a testament to strength, resilience, and love. She was a woman of quiet determination and deep wisdom. She didn't chase attention, yet she commanded respect. She didn’t seek the spotlight, but her light shone brightly in the lives of all who knew her. She raised two daughters who embody her values: kindness, curiosity, courage, and independence. She delighted in watching her family grow, and her greatest joy came from being surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
To those who knew her well, Iran will be remembered not just for what she did—but for who she was. She was genuine, unpretentious, deeply loyal, and full of quiet grace. She faced life’s challenges with dignity and its joys with open arms. Her presence made others feel grounded, safe, and loved. She was a remarkable mother, a supportive wife, a talented designer, a gifted cook, and a lifelong learner.
Friends and family will remember her as a role model of integrity, strength of character, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She exemplified the values of education, hard work, family, and self-respect. Her legacy lives on—not just in her daughters, but in her grandchildren, in the countless lives she touched, and in the beauty she created around her.
Iran is survived by her daughters, Lili and Shirin; her daughter-in-law, Tracey; her grandsons, Andrew and Kian; her granddaughters, Tara and Iman; and her granddaughter-in-law, Jordan. She leaves behind a family who will continue to honor her memory with the same love, strength, and pride that she lived by.
We take solace in the thought that her spirit endures—in the beauty of a well-tended home, in the laughter of her grandchildren, in the warmth of a shared meal, and in the courage of the women she raised. Her memory is truly a blessing, and her presence will never be forgotten.
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