DR. ANAHITA (ANI) ARIANA
March 21, 1974 – December 26, 2022
Ani Ariana, 48, died peacefully at home with her beloved family after an unyielding journey with cancer as she did everything with grit, courage, hope, and heart. Calm, intuitive, and deeply empathetic, Ani is and was an earth angel who cast a sweeping wake of lasting love that endures in her life partner and best friend Anthony Minniti, and her cherished daughters Beata and Ava Ariana-Minniti — the lights of her life. Ani was fiercely loved and held close by her beloved sister Proochista Ariana (Ernest Guevarra) and nephew Kaveh; her treasured father Manoucher Ariana, who died this past September; and in-laws Domenic and Ida Minniti, and sister-in-law Joanna Minniti (Nick). An incomparable mother, partner and friend, Ani is a comet blazing forever brightly in the memories of all who loved her. Born in Tehran, Iran, Ani grew up in Pacific Northwest. Ani earned an undergrad degree from Reed College; a Masters from OHSU; and a Masters in Social Work & MD from Illinois before completing her Residency in Family Medicine at the University of Ottawa. She settled in Sudbury and Little Current as a rural family physician until 2009. Ani and Anthony moved to Victoria, BC with a growing family and a new job in medical advisory at WorkSafeBC. Both as a doctor and a researcher, Ani was treasured for her calm, compassionate care, her meticulous attention to detail and her willingness to explore and push for new knowledge. Ever curious, always learning, Ani savored life’s tastes, sounds, and stories (from sci-fi to classics to Lord of the Rings), her favored themes were friendship, courage, love, and righteousness. A movie lover, inexhaustible researcher, lifelong musician, and passionate cook, on a typical night she might create a robust Persian dish, play violin with her girls, and end the evening watching a Japanese Anime with her family. Ani was a force, a bit of an absolutist, and she was exceptional at love. Ani unwaveringly supported our dreams. A heartfelt thank you to Proochista and Ani’s dear friends Necia, Ashley, Sandi, Judy, Christina, Anne, Angie, and Janice. As well as all the friends and family who provided comfort and support during her illness. Additional thanks to her colleagues at WorkSafeBC and the staff of CGI Constructors. Many thanks to the BC Cancer team. Also, VIHA Community Nurses and the Palliative Care Team. Thanks to Dr. Burton for her kindness and dedication. In lieu of flowers, anyone inclined may contribute, with our deepest gratitude, to the education fund set up for Ani’s daughters, Beata and Ava on https://gofund.me/ed4aca04. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com
