Tamara Abhari

**In Loving Memory of Tamara**

Tamara was born on May 31, 1941, in Ardebil, located in Iran's Azerbaijan province. Her early years were shaped by her mother, a midwife, and her father, a traveling musician. In her teenage years, her family relocated twice to towns along the Caspian coast in Gilan province.

Tamara was gifted with a remarkable linguistic ability, growing up fluent in Turkish, Persian, and Armenian. At the age of 17, she began attending a missionary-run church, where she not only learned English but also met the love of her life, Mehdi. Mehdi often reminisced about the first time he saw Tamara, describing her as the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. A year later, they were married at the very church where their story began.

Together, Tamara and Mehdi embarked on a journey filled with love and resilience. Their travels took them to Khorasan province, where Mehdi attended college, and Tamara gave birth to their daughter, Roya.

Their journey then led them to Bangalore, India, where Mehdi pursued graduate studies at United Theological College, and Tamara nurtured her own talents, improving her English and taking up hobbies like guitar playing. During their time in India, their family grew with the birth of their son, Ramin.

Upon Mehdi's completion of his Master's degree, the family returned to Iran's Caspian coast, where he began his ministry at the church that had brought them together. They later settled in Tehran, where Tamara took on a role as an administrative assistant at the American Community School. Her skill in typing in both English and Persian was indispensable during her tenure from 1972 to 1979.

For a time, Tamara gracefully navigated the challenges of being a single parent while Mehdi pursued his MBA at Iran School of Management Studies, a branch of Harvard. She stood by him as he worked to advance his career, always providing unwavering support.

Tamara's commitment extended beyond her family to her community and faith. She and Mehdi actively participated in one of Tehran's Persian-speaking churches, with him serving as a substitute pastor and her teaching Sunday school. Following the 1979 revolution, Tamara embarked on a new chapter of life in the United States.

In America, Tamara's passion for learning and community service continued to shine. Whether cataloguing for the Near East Team at Princeton University’s Firestone Library, assisting programs at the United Methodist Church Headquarters’ Asia Office in New York, or consulting at the PCUSA Office of Communications in Louisville, she left a lasting impact. Tamara also dedicated her time to volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, embodying generosity and selflessness.

Upon retiring at Westminster Gardens in Duarte, California, Tamara found solace and connection among new friends and the Pasadena Presbyterian Church community. Their support brought comfort during her later years, especially after Mehdi’s passing.

Tamara's journey was one of resilience, love, and faith—a life truly well-lived. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her.  

Tamara is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Roya (John) Bromell; her son, Ramin (Anne) Abhari; her grandsons, Rod, John, Shawn, and Julian.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts in Tamara's name may be made to: Presbyterian Church (USA) World Mission, Pasadena Presbyterian Church, or Westminster Gardens Benevolence Fund.