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
-
Karl
-
David, Maya and Sadie Arnold Our hearts go out to your whole family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Our memories of Ani will always be of her beautiful smile and radiant positivity.
We hope that the same energy will continue to live on in you and all of those who knew her.
-
Shauna and Fallon Anthony,
Our deepest sympathies to you, Beata, Ava, and your extended family. Sending you all much strength and love.
-
Keri and Chris Vrabel We are so sorry about Ani’s passing. We will always remember her for her kindness, positivity and caring nature. She was a truly wonderful person and will be remembered fondly by all of our family. We send our deepest condolences.
-
Ann Giles Dear Anthony and girls,
I am so sad for the loss of your beautiful Ani. She touched so many people’s lives in a positive way. She looked for the best in others and always found it. Her memory, as was her life, is an inspiration for all who knew her to find our best selves.
Love to you all.
-
Mary Monticelli Dearest Anthony & Girls
A mother / wife is with us always. First in her lifetime, than forever in our memory.
Ani touched so many people with her love and kindness. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that we share in your grief. Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences.
Rest easy Ani.
-
Bernice Pleta Anthony and girls,
I am so sorry to hear.
My deepest condolences to you all. I had the pleasure of some lovely conversations and meals with Ani while she lived with Dany in Little Current. She was such a delightful and kind person, I am so sorry to hear of her passing. May you find peace in the memories of your life together. Blessings .
-
Brigitte Gilmour Sending all of my love and condolences to you and your family, especially Ava and Beata. To this day, I cherish all the special memories I have with Ani and your family. She truly was one of a kind and will never be forgotten.
-
Annie Robin Peltier My Sincerest Condolences to all. It was a pleasure working Dr Ariana in Wikwemikong. She was a kind caring Dr to all of her patients. I will remember her always ❤️
Robin Peltier
Wikwemikong, ON
Manitoulin Island
-
Krista Klokeid Anthony and girls.
I was very saddened that Ani has passed but her spirit and heart will live on in both Beata and Ava. She was an amazing woman and I will never forget the conversations we had when she was coming to pick up the 8 or 10 dozen eggs from the farm. Her daughters were so polite and respectful. I will hold onto the positive memories however she will still be deeply missed by the whole Klokeid family animals and people.My sincere condolences go out to Anthony, Beata and Ava. I cannot begin to imagine the heartache in the house right now.
Anthony if you need anything at all please contact us and if the girls ever want to come to the farm for some horse or dog therapy they are welcome anytime.
-
Sue and Kerry Klokeid In our time on earth we are blessed to meet only a few special people. Those who are loving, compassionate, curious, empathetic, talented and most of all, a person who always puts others first. Ani was an angel on earth who is certainly now walking amongst the angels and sparkling in the sky as a bright star. You will be missed by so many and not forgotten♥️
-
Wayne and Carol 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
-
Blaine and Lise Nicholls 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
-
Diane Edmonds 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.
-
Bobby, Jen & Naiya Varghese 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
-
Lily Oeur 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.
-
Tooti Blake 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
-
Connie Laidley, Human Resources Officer 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.
-
Anneli McRae 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
-
Myra Henderson 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
-
John Prosperi My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Please remember all the good times.
Dear Anthony and Family
We are so sorry to hear of Ani’s passing.
She was a brilliant ray of Sunshine, and touched the lives of so many. Life can seem so cruel at times but take consonance in the time you had together and the memories that will last forever.
Karl & Sharon Smith
Whitefish, ON
Aka Sudbury
P.S. :
I remember well Ani’s patience and willingness to answer a multitude of questions when my son was trying to get into medical school.
Go Leaf’s Go