Minoo Ameli Sohaey

We use this Persian expression with a heavy heart to announce that our lovely flower, Minoo Sohaey, blossomed 81 years ago in Shiraz and was picked on the evening of December 20, 2022. Minoo, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend has peacefully left our world.

Born to Bagher Ameli and Molouk Razavi Ameli on June 12, 1941, Minoo was the eldest of five children and spent her childhood in both Shiraz and Tehran. She knew Manutchehr Sohaey and his family throughout childhood and adolescence and she married him in 1960, at the age of 18, in Tehran. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the Women’s College of Tehran (Madrese ali Daughtharan) with accolades such as the Medal of Honor in Education and she subsequently earned a master’s degree in Library Science from Rosary College of Arts and Science (now Dominican College), in Riverpark, Illinois. For decades, Minoo was the business manager of Dr. Manutchehr Sohaey’s successful Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery practice in Illinois.

Manutchehr and Minoo raised three children in the Chicago-land area; Roya Sohaey, Jasmine Sohaey Grassi, and Christopher Kaveh Sohaey. They are grandparents to six grandchildren; Brett Cyrus Boston, Haley Zareen Boston, Ellis Kian Grassi, Darius Walden Grassi, Emma Jooni Grassi, and Mia Noushin Sohaey. Throughout her life, Minoo was equally proud of all her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments and was famous for letting them know with words and deeds that they meant everything to her.

Minoo cherished her service to the Iranian community and was a leader in social and cultural activities including serving as President of the Iranian Cultural Society, founder of the society’s Mother/Daughter/Son gatherings, as well as organizing many fund-raisers and cultural events. She continued these activities with local Iranian organizations in San Diego. One of her absolute favorite activities was hostessing the annual Now-Ruz baking activities for the society Persian new year celebrations.

Most importantly, Minoo was a lovely person who filled those around her with joy and laughter. She really knew how to be happy and it was contagious. She was brave and open to new experiences , including travelling the world with good friends. She had the greenest of thumbs and loved to garden. When she felt good, she was always on the move. Throughout her life, she was surrounded by friends and family who loved her dearly. Minoo’s passing leaves a large void in the lives of her family and friends. May her image smiling alleviate some of the pain. She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and grandson Ellis. Mourning her loss deeply are her husband, Manutchehr Sohaey; her children; Roya Sohaey, Jasmine Sohaey Grassi, and Chris Sohaey and their spouses, David Boston, Mike Grassi, and Amy Sohaey; her grandchildren, Brett, Haley, Darius, Emma, Mia; and her Brothers and their spouses; Khosrow Ameli and Guity Javid Ameli , Homayoun Ameli and Barbara Ameli, Ali Ameli and Sudabeh Ameli, and Farhad and Samilla Ameli. May Minoo rest in peace…she was loved.