Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Mahin Rassi Obituary
URBANA - Mahin Rassi, Mahin Khanum, Mom, Sister, Auntie, Cousin, but to me, Grandma, was an Iranian force of womanhood who fled the Iranian Revolution of 1979, to lead her family to a better life and redefine the American dream in Champaign.
My grandmother earned a master's degree in textile sciences from the University of Illinois and served as the costume shop manager at the Krannert Center from 1984 to 2004. Her hospitality made her house a community pillar for other immigrant families around Champaign.
She passed in the arms of my father, Barmack, on March 15, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana; she was 91. She peacefully lies next to her husband, just a stone's throw away from Memorial Stadium.
When my family arrived in America, they settled in Champaign due to its strong agricultural program and their willingness to accept us. They went from having everything in Iran - maids, nannies and land - to having nothing in America. Yet, my grandmother always said she "had a great relationship with her brain." She worked tirelessly, caring for her two sons and much older husband, while working full time as a costume cutter and earning her second master's degree. My dad distinctly remembers encountering the old mascot of the UI, the Chief. She made sure the Chief was well outfitted for the big games.
Mahin loved Champaign and refused to leave. It was a mark of peace and comfort for her, where she brought her family to safety and watched them flourish. She remained disciplined, made her bed until her last days, always dressed up and was generous to those around her. She always reminded me she's not 91 but 21, and her youthful spirit lives on in us all.
Your story remains in us and will continue for generations through the aroma of Persian spices and the act of sharing a meal with strangers and loved ones alike.
A celebration of life service will be held April 26 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Champaign Country Club, 1211 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign.
Memories and Condolences
for Mahin Rassi
1 Entry
Janice Lines
April 21, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Mahin Rassi's name
Memorial Events
for Mahin Rassi
How to support Mahin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mahin Rassi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
