Massoumeh Tohri (Zari Shafinury)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Zari, who left us at 1:00am on Friday, November 17th, 2023. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

Born on November 5th, 1953 in the city of Shiraz, Zari later moved to Isfahan, Tehran, and later the United States of America in the late 1970s, pre-revolution. She was a passionate women’s clothing designer with a tremendous ability in the culinary arts. She was known for her strong character, her whit and sense of humor, and most of all for her ever loving and caring demeanor towards her family and community. She was a dedicated mother to four children and a dedicated wife to Masoud Shafinury.  She was known for having designed a famous dress for the first lady, which later helped in awarding her and her family green card status during the hostage crisis. Zari will always be remembered for her generosity and larger then life hospitality towards everyone.

Zari is survived by her two sons; Majid and Fared, and her two daughters; Yasamin and Neelufar, as well as her husband, Masoud Shafinury. She will be fondly remembered by her many community of friends, from Corpus Christi to Austin, Dallas, and Houston. She leaves behind five brothers and two sisters as well.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Zari will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 at Corpus Christi’s Seaside Funeral Home. A reception will follow at the Corpus Christi yacht club from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The service is open to the friends and family.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have offered their condolences and support during this difficult time. Your love and kindness are greatly appreciated.

Though Zari may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will forever live on in our hearts and memories. May she rest in eternal peace.

Her name, Zari, means a thread of gold, and she was exactly that. Weaving a fabric of love to hold and protect her children within. Her spirit lives in her children, as they fearlessly embody the strong spirit of their mother.

She will never be forgotten.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.