Talat Malihi

A Memorial Service to celebrate a life well-lived will be held for Tata on Sunday, October 27th at 3PM at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf – Harborview Ballroom, 296 State Street, Boston, MA.  Flowers are accepted at the Memorial Service location or at her home address at 65 E. India Row, Boston, MA 02110.

In lieu of flowers, you can consider donation in her memory to the IAB Scholarship Fund (17 Nichols Ave., Watertown, MA 02472) which was deeply close to her heart as it supports the advancement of education in MA.

Talat Malihi, known affectionately as "Tata" by her loved ones, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2024, at the age of 93. Tata was born in Tabriz, Iran, moved to Tehran in her teens, and spent her final 45 years in Boston, MA, surrounded by the family she cherished deeply. She left behind a legacy of love, grace, learning, teaching and vivacity.

Tata's life was one of adventure and intellectual pursuit. After earning her B.A. in Persian Literature from the University of Tehran, and further studies in French, she instilled a love of knowledge and culture in her children and everyone around her. Her passion for literature was only matched by her enthusiasm for life's many joys and experiences. Tata was a lover of life in all its dimensions, finding beauty in the simplest moments and teaching those around her to do the same. She was a chef, lover of art and music and developed a talent to make time sit still.

She is survived by a family that adored her: her daughter, Ladan; her sons, Ali, Mahmood, and Reza; her beloved son- and daughter-in-law Farhad and Roya; her granddaughters, Roxanne, Dorna, Taban, and Navaa; and her great-grandchildren, Suri and Kian. Tata also leaves behind her younger siblings Dolat, Morteza, Nezhat, Nahid and Bahman, as well as several nieces and nephews and their children, all of whom will miss her bright spirit and wise counsel.

Tata's life was marked by her unwavering strength, resilience, and an unquenchable zest for life. She was a pillar of her community, and as a co-founder of the Iranian Association of Boston in the 1980’s and having contributed thousands of voluntary hours to the IAB, Boston Children’s Hospital, MGH and student organizations at Harvard University, her influence extended far beyond her immediate family. Those who knew her were touched by her generosity, kindness, and the warmth of her presence.

As a mother, Tata was both a mentor and a friend to her children. She raised them with an emphasis on the importance of education, integrity, and compassion for others. Her lessons were not limited to words; she led by example and lived her values every day. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she continued to inspire and nurture the younger generations with stories, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Her granddaughters, Roxanne, Dorna, Taban, and Navaa, as well as her great-grandchildren, Suri and Kian, were the light of her life. She took great pride in their accomplishments and was a constant source of encouragement and support.

As we bid farewell to Tata, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey full of love, and a heart that never ceased to give. Her memory will continue to guide and comfort us, her recipes will continue to delight us, and her spirit will remain a beacon of joy and love in our hearts forever. Tata's life was a testament to the power of positivity and the beauty of embracing every moment with open arms and an open heart.

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