Dr. Fereshteh Haeri Darya, 70, of Palmetto, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Fereshteh was born on September 1, 1954, in Tehran, Iran, the daughter of Fereydoon Hashemi-Haeri and Homa Arta. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, colleague, and friend to many across the globe.
She graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Counseling and Professional Services. She later earned her PhD in Human Services, specializing in Family and Marriage Services.
On June 27, 1980, Fereshteh married Saeed Darya in Tehran, Iran. In 1982, they immigrated to the United States to pursue higher education and secure a better future for their children. They lived in Pennsylvania for a few years before moving to Potomac, Maryland where they happily settled for over 30 years.
Dr. Darya was a licensed clinical professional counselor and psychotherapist. Over the course of her 30-year career, she compassionately served clients with a wide range of mental health, relationship, marriage, and emotional needs. She was a member of the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. She was especially passionate about supporting bilingual refugees, elderly individuals, families in crisis and the underserved. Her work left a lasting impact on the lives of many.
Beyond her professional life, Fereshteh was known for her warm hospitality and vibrant creativity. She loved hosting gatherings, cooking for loved ones, painting, reading, writing, traveling, gardening, dancing, collecting antiques & fun hats, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Fereshteh had a way of seeing the bright side of things, connecting with people, opening up her home to anyone she crossed paths with, and would always greet newcomers with "nice to see you!"
Fereshteh is survived by her loving husband, Saeed Darya; her children, Sheri and Sepehr; her granddaughter, Maia Lillian; and her siblings: Eideh, Elaheh, Amir, Asal, Afsaneh, Mohammad, Ali, Shahin, and Gisoo. She is now reunited with beloved family members who passed before her, including her parents and other dear relatives.
A small, private funeral service will be held in Venice, Florida. A celebration of life will follow on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Glenview Mansion in Rockville, Maryland at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Details to follow.
