WILMINGTON — Parvaneh Nasseri, a lady of grace, strength, and kindness – passed away peacefully at home on August 2, 2025, surrounded by the love of her cherished family.
Born on February 19, 1937 in Iran, near the shores of the Caspian Sea, Parvaneh was the cherished daughter of the late Talat and Satar Goudarzi. After finishing high school in Tehran, she pursued higher education in France, where she studied midwifery and nursing. In 1962, she graduated with honors from the University of Toulouse Medical School, earning the distinguished title of Laureate and receiving a two-week academic sabbatical in Geneva, Switzerland.
In Toulouse in 1960, she met Fred Nasseri, a young law student. Their meeting sparked a love that would last a lifetime, and they married in December 1961.
Returning to Iran, Parvaneh practiced midwifery, helping bring countless new lives into the world. She was also a passionate advocate for social development, dedicating herself to the education and welfare of underserved communities in Iran. She often represented vulnerable individuals before government agencies and stood as a voice for the voiceless.
Her journey took her across continents – from Europe to the Middle East to Asia. She embraced every opportunity to explore history, culture, and art, always eager to learn and contribute wherever she went.
In the wake of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Parvaneh made the difficult decision to flee Iran with her three children while her husband remained under house arrest as a political prisoner. She sought refuge in London and later in the United States, ultimately settling in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to be near her brother, a student of Architecture at the University of Arkansas.
Eventually, Parvaneh moved to Wilmington, to care for her aging parents, once again placing her family before herself. It was there she remained, steadfast in devotion, until her parents passing.
In 1986, Parvaneh and Fred accepted positions at an Oriental Rug Gallery in New York – Parvaneh specializing in restoration, and Fred in sales and management. Two years later, they returned to Wilmington and founded a Gallery of their own. Under Parvaneh’s expert guidance and artistic sensibility, the gallery flourished, eventually becoming one of the most respected in the country. In 2007, their business received the prestigious national award of “#1 Rug Retailer of America”, a testament to Parvaneh’s unmatched skill and dedication to the craft.
Parvaneh’s true legacy lies in the love she gave. She is survived by her loving husband, Fred Nasseri; her daughter, Shahrzad Nasseri Gardner; her sons, Farhad Nasseri and Shahriar Nasseri; and her treasured grandson, William Fereydoun Gardner. She also leaves behind her brothers – Dr. Hormoze Goudarzi, George Goudarzi, and Dr. Kamran Goudarzi – along with many other cherished family members.
The family will celebrate Parvaneh’s life in a private gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Landfall Foundation in memory of Parvaneh.
