Mandana N. Gandomkar went to Heaven July 7, 2023 in Frisco, Texas surrounded by a few of the loves of her life who continue to fight over the order of who loves her most. But without a doubt, the greatest, her true soulmate and defender always and husband of 40 years, Karim, who celebrated their anniversary June 21st 2023. Her adoring daughter Demi, who was lucky enough to stay up every night with her while under the incredible care of Baylor ICU Frisco. It was just like they did when they would sneak movies together on nights Karim worked super late, or when Demi wanted to watch the Sun come up. And just like in most families where the baby brother is the favorite, her favorite Brother Kia was there each day with Karim and Demi, being the rock as always.
Kia still can’t remember what his wrestling name was when they were kiddos, but he had two recent dreams of Mandana. Hopefully one day she’ll come to him in a dream and remind him. However, she’s stubborn, so she’s definitely going to make him wait a bit.
Born in Iran to Ali Nikourazm and Mahin Jahed on December 6th in Tehran, she was a handful straight away and her strength, courage, brilliance and determined attitude soon had her venturing off to England for schooling. After England, she was off to the US for some adventures and she landed in a few states before ending up in Athens, TX for college. Somehow, from a completely different path, a gentleman named Karim, also from Iran, ended up going to school in Athens.
Anyone who ever saw Mandana’s smile or heard her infectious laugh or was in the right place at the right time to be a part of her rebellious nature was lucky, but for Karim—lightning struck. He’d offer her rides to class and she claimed she wasn’t interested at first, but…Mandana always knew what she wanted, so eventually she accepted a ride to class. Years later, she shared the story with her daughter Demi that in that first car ride he said, “I’m going to marry you.” And she laughed at him and told him he was crazy. From then on, they were crazy in love. They continued school and work, with her earning her Master’s Degree in Psychology from Texas A&M Commerce. After graduation, they married on June 21, 1980 and had their little girl 3 years later.
Family was the most important thing to Mandana and that included her true friends and best friend Farzaneh, future Godmother to Demi, their only child. Mandana loved music, dancing, laughing, nature, oceans, spending time with her Mom, and she really-really loved grocery shopping. She would visit several stores just to cook one dish for her family. If she wanted something, the smart thing to do was get out of the way or help, but without a doubt, it was happening. Many found they were involved without being asked or realizing it -- and having the adventure of their life -- when it was a regular Tuesday for her.
Mandana is survived by her loving husband, Karim Gandomkar; daughter, Demi Gandomkar; and brothers, Kia, Faramarz and Fariborz Nikourazm and their families. It would be impossible to list the people who adored her, as she was very loved because she had the biggest heart to match her stubborn streak.
She was preceded in death by her father Ali Nikourazm, when she was just ten years old. But thankfully she had a long, loving life with her mother Mahin Jahed, whom she and Karim selflessly took care of in their home until Mahin’s passing in 2020. Her stunning sister Shahnaz Nikourazm also left this world too soon, but she is there to greet Mandana and catch her up on all the gossip she missed, while their mother Mahin tells them to cut it out, and her Dad Ali dances with them as she always saw in her reoccurring dreams.
In lieu of flowers, it would mean the world to Karim, her loving husband, if everyone would donate to The Baylor Scott & White Frisco ICU, for their kindness, care and putting up with a family who was in their way around the clock.