Ashraf Habibi

Ashraf Habibi passed away peacefully at her home in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Born in Isfahan, Iran, she was the eldest of seven children of Talaat Razavi Zadeh and Mohammad-Reza Habibi, a prominent business leader and landowner.

At a young age, Ashraf married Mohammad Mashayekhi and moved to Europe in the 1950s, while he pursued his doctorate in law at the Sorbonne. Growing up in modernizing Iran, she embraced a commitment to equality and the full emancipation of women and became passionately involved in social and political issues, always hopeful for a more democratic future.

An extraordinary woman, Ashraf defied the constraints of her traditional upbringing. Fiercely independent, she ensured that her three daughters received a first-rate education and had every opportunity-academic, musical, athletic, and professional-to succeed.

A devoted intellectual, she was exceptionally well-read in history, politics, literature, and poetry, often offering insights that rivaled those of experts. A lover of classical music, she frequently attended concerts. Her life was enriched by travel across Europe, Asia, and the United States. She held herself and those around her to the highest standards, always encouraging the pursuit of excellence in every passion.

Material wealth never captivated her; instead, she was celebrated for her kindness, generosity, and wisdom. As a dedicated philanthropist, Ashraf supported schools, hospitals-especially pediatric cancer centers and medical research-and disaster relief efforts, always ready to help those in need. Her interests extended to environmental advocacy, food as medicine, and organic agriculture. Her enthusiasm and excitement about all aspects of life was contagious.

She expressed her love at home by preparing extraordinary meals for family and friends. A natural host, she found joy in entertaining and bringing people together, fostering warmth, laughter, and lasting bonds.

Ashraf left an indelible mark on everyone she met with her gentle demeanor, profound wisdom, and striking beauty-so youthful that she appeared decades younger than her years. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful women of her time, she maintained both inner and outer radiance until the end.

Even amid the upheaval of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Ashraf remained resilient, strong-willed, and active. She faced profound adversity with grace and a positive, constructive outlook, her unwavering mental strength and quiet perseverance helping her overcome even the most challenging health obstacles.

She cultivated deep connections with those around her, creating a safe and welcoming space where many would share their challenges and different perspectives. She served as a trusted advisor and counseled young people, especially women, empowering them to embrace their independence and to make confident choices for their future. Through her mentorship, she helped them recognize their own strength, resilience, and potential. With her unique insight and immense wisdom, she effortlessly diffused tension, offered creative solutions and brought clarity and resolution in a world filled with uncertainty about future. She believed the only time to take action was now, and emphasized the fleeting nature of existence and the importance of focusing on a meaningful and joyful life and appreciation of the present moment, as Omar Khayyam reflected in his poetry.

Ashraf Habibi will be remembered not only for her beauty and brilliance, but for the immense love, wisdom, and strength she shared with everyone around her.

She leaves bereft her three beloved daughters, Afsaneh Beschloss, Mina Mashayekhi, and Maryam Mashayekhi, her cherished grandchildren Anahita Smeets, Alex and Cyrus Beschloss, her beloved sons-in-law, Michael Beschloss, Maarten Smeets, grandson-in-law Beniamino Sciacca, and her adorable puppy Pashmak. Her glorious example lives on.