Fahimeh Madadi
Fahi would not have wanted anyone speaking about or honoring her life.. “never mind” she would have said, summing up a life lived both selflessly and simply. Hers was a life spent taking care of others, as devoted wife, as a mother, as a support to countless family members immigrating into this country and her most beloved role as a grandmother or Gammy so affectionately called by her ten grandchildren.
Fahimeh (née Khaki) Madadi was born in Tehran, Iran on Aug. 5, 1948, the third child of seven and the oldest daughter. She had dreams of becoming a doctor and enrolled in University of Tehran as a chemistry major. Shortly after, she married Ebrahim (Abi) Madadi in March 1966 and immigrated to the United States. Speaking little English and having no family or friends she continued her education in chemistry at BYU, in Utah.
Those years created both fond memories and struggles as immigrants adjusting to a foreign land. She held onto life’s small pleasures, like the soft serve ice cream cones she lived on while working in the school cafeteria—and, fittingly, it was the one thing she still wanted in her final days.
Upon graduating, she took a job in a lab as a chemist, and soon after she and Abi began their family and had the first of five children. A baby girl. Soon three more girls followed and a baby boy to make five. It was then decided to move to California for new opportunities. In Santa Barbara, Fahi raised five children, while working days and many nights and cooking and cleaning in her spare time. Fun moments were left for family functions at parks and beaches and the yearly road trips in the camper to places like Tahoe, Yellowstone and Canada.
As her adult children, one by one, left the nest, she instilled in them both a formidable work ethic and independence with a theme to never rely on others. The sometimes direct advice or tough love she gave was softened by her many sweet texts and phone calls, always checking in and always remembering the details of your day whether it was a sick kid, a doctor appointment, an interview, an exam etc. She spent very little time looking after herself, in the way most people do, and all her energies towards her family members. Her kindness and warm smile are cherished by all who knew her. Her traffic-stopping beauty, which she never acknowledged and seemed barely able to recognize, even wowed the nurses in her final days.
She loved the arts, whether it be books, paintings, music and poetry. She left stacks of books and articles highlighted and clipped. She spent every morning drawing, painting and coloring after breakfast. Her most treasured subject being birds in nature. She adored sitting in her garden watching her bird-feeder, chatting to her hummingbird friends and taking care of all her plants.
Her dream to live near the ocean had been realized in 2020 when they moved to the Mesa. In her weakest days she would sometimes muster enough energy to walk the few blocks to just see it. She never failed to mention how happy this made her.
The role that distinguished her the most and that she cherished dearly, was being a Grandma. Her grandchildren ranging from ages 8-26 would not hesitate to tell you their Gammy showered them with her special kind of love. Always proud, always protective, giving the warmest hugs and feeding them with such joy, love and delicious Persian meals and sweets. Her love for them was unmatched.
It was so difficult for her towards the end to be cared for, and having to let go of her natural desire to take care of others. She would say “it is what it is” to summon up the painful or trivial moments of life or “I am what I am” to reaffirm any nuance in her personality. Mom, we will live by these simple statements in your honor as a reflection of the selfless human you were. We love you forever and hope to be wrapped in your warmth for eternity. Love your family.
Fahi is survived by her husband, Abi Madadi, daughter Shayan Madadi, Shadean Runyen, son- in-law Chris Runyen, Naysun Madadi, Nakisa Herrick, son-in-law Tommy Herrick, son Amir Madadi and daughter-in-law Sheetal Madadi. Also survived by her ten grandchildren, Jake, Derrick, Sasha, Gabe, Cash, Noah, Iyla, Zachary, Mila and Suri.
