In Loving Memory of Malak Modarressi

July 17, 1951 – June 24, 2026

Malak Modarressi was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. She enjoyed Sudoku, watching the news, discussing politics, spending time with her granddaughter, and giving blunt (yet accurate) advice to the people she loved.

A dedicated student, Malak was admitted to the dental school at Tehran University. After marrying in 1970, she left Iran to pursue educational opportunities in England and the United States. She later earned a degree in engineering science from Iowa State University and went on to work as a civil engineer in Palm Desert, California. Throughout her education and career, she was often the only woman in her classes and workplaces.

Malak was a proud and devoted mother to her daughter, Marmar. As Malak's COPD progressed, she moved to Chicago in 2021 to be closer to her family. Even as her health declined, she continued to spend what energy she had cooking for the people she loved. Her strength, intelligence, honesty, and devotion to her family will be remembered and cherished always.