Mohabat Tarkeshian (1994 - 2024)

Mohabat sadly and unexpectedly passed away on 30th April, 2024. Her celebration of life was held at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts on July 5th, 2024. A stream of it is linked below.

A Year in Memoriam

Even though it has been a year since Mohabat passed away, she is still remembered by those who knew and cherished her. I have been in contact with some of Mohabat’s friends and family who have shared their thoughts and memories with me, as well as giving permission to share here.

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year. I still remember Mohabat in many little things: my dad recently watching Ted Lasso, preparing for a presentation for work and thinking how she would explain something (WWMD). – Luuk Verhoeven

Today, our family and members of the Maths department went for a walk along The Landing to think of Mohabat and share memories. We left painted rocks nestled in the grass overlooking the water. We think of Mohabat often, many times pictures will pop up in my memories with her and Woody. It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year. Every time I think of Mohabat a smile comes to my face. She was so beautiful, full of love and kindness. An amazing human being. – Candace Finbow

I have put a counter in my phone and I increase it every time that I think about Mohabat. I’ve realised that I increase it every day. Mohabat was the foundation of our group and I can’t think of a better friend or road trip companion. I still can’t believe how such a kind heart can evolve in this universe. – Sinan Nurlu

Not a day goes by where I don’t long for Mohabat to be back with us all. I have her smiling face in my mind every morning when I first wake up and every evening when I shut my eyes to sleep. I know that she would be proud of how well Woody is behaving, and would be so impressed to see how good he is getting at fetching balls and frisbees outside. Mohabat was a ray of sunshine and I hold her close to my heart. – James Leslie

Mohabat Tarkeshian Award

Mohabat had a significant impact on both her peers and professors during her time studying at The University of Western Ontario. To honor her and to help contribute to her legacy, the university is establishing an award in her name. The Mohabat Tarkeshian Award will help support graduate students in Mathematics and is currently in its fundraising period. If you are able to contribute, please follow this link to the donation page.

For donations from outside of Canada, the above link will not work. You can donate over the phone directly by calling Western’s Donation Processing Team on +1-800-420-7519 (toll free), or by contacting Mohabat’s brother, Bruce Crown (email address below), who will be able to assist.

Celebration of Life Stream

If you wish to contact someone close to Mohabat, please reach out to one of the following:

Bruce Crown (Mohabat’s Brother) - contact “at” brucecrown.ca.
James Leslie (Mohabat’s Fiancé) - jamesleslie “at” posteo.net;

If you want to have a message included, please email your message to James Leslie (email address found above).