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
A Celebration of Life for Ani was held in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 9:30 am. Please click the image below to watch a recording of the service.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
21 Responses
To Anthony and family to Domenic and Maria and family and friends,
We are deeply sadden from Ani’s passing but know that now she is definitely in heaven and watching over you with Gods angels. We must be joyful and content in our hearts to have had her in our lives. She will be missed but never forgotten.
With all our love and prayers
Wayne and Carol Poitras
Dear Anthony and family
We were so deeply saddened to hear this news.
It has been some time since we connected with you, but always have fond memories of Ani and you.
Our thoughts are with you and your family, during this incredibly difficult time.
Take care.
Blaine and Lise
I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Ani through Self Learning at CFPC. She was a valued colleague and friend. Her thoughtful contributions and measured approach have been and will continue to be missed. Her gentle smile and friendly approach brightened any meeting she attended. I have many treasured memories of the SLP’s meeting in Victoria that she co-hosted a few years ago.
Hi Anthony & girls, we are thinking of you & send so much love your way at this incredibly challenging time. What a privilege to meet your special Ani / Mom! She was such a lovely & genuinely kind, caring person, a true gift to this world. We are sending you all our best wishes, Bobby, Jen S, & Naiya Varghese xox
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) expresses our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Ariana’s family. Dr. Ariana was a valuable member of the family medicine community. We are forever grateful for her talents, passion and the countless of hours that she donated to the Self Learning Program. May her soul rest in peace.
Dr Ariana is a comet. We fondly recall her as our doctor in Little Current. We are saddened to hear of her passing. So sorry for your loss.
Tooti Blake and Glenn Lewis
The staff of Manitoulin Health Centre send their sincere condolences to Dr. Ariana’s family and friends at this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
The MHC Flag will fly at half-mast in memory of her at both sites for the next seven days.
I send my my deepest condolences to you Anthony and your daughters. Anahita was such a wonderful person, so kind and empathetic and talented in so many areas. She brought sunshine into the lives of people, who were lucky to have met her. Hugs with prayers for strength and peace to you.
Anneli from Sudbury
Dear Anthony and daughters, very sad to hear Ani’s passing. She was such a wonderful caring person and so much fun to work with. We will remember her always.
Myra Henderson RN
Kagawong
Manitoulin Island
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Please remember all the good times.