Parvin Baharloo died in the early morning of June 26 from an aggressive brain cancer. She had enrolled in the Death with Dignity program, but before the end of life medication could be delivered she went into a coma and hours later died. In the time she spent on the island, she made a big impact. Parvin was an active board member of DVSAS and Prevention Coalition and took charge of this year’s Trashion-Fashion show. She was on the board of KOPL and took on the task of docent coordinator. For the past seven years, she was the area coordinator for a peace through travel organization SERVAS Int’l. As hosts we received many travelers from around the world. They felt they were getting two cultures, Persia and the U.S., in one. Parvin’s hospitality became known and we received travelers for a second time. She cooked for many people and maintained a web-site tasteofpersialopez.com. She was also in the mentor program and spent many hours working in our local labyrinth. Even her Death with Dignity action brought together two important people which may form a new link to our clinic and hospice. The island will miss her energy, charm and talent. She was pleased at the support she received from many members of her extended family especially her three children, Melody, Sammy and Scott.

Parvin was loved and sought after for her wisdom and uniqueness. She was an educator and an organizer exemplar. She actually sought confrontation and always spoke her mind but always in a disarming, tactful way. Her motto was discipline first then love with an emphasis on fairness. Even though English was her second language, she was quick witted and would verbally spar with anyone and usually won. Since moving to Washington, her life was filled and fulfilling and even though she was from a Moslem country and was a lifelong atheist Lopez became her heaven. Because of this she was satisfied and when the end was imminent she was ready. Even in death she sought to teach and, true to form, one lesson was discipline. It gives me some solace in knowing I am far from alone in mourning her death (she hated the word passing). Even in death she sought to educate and set high standards.