MOJGAN DANESHMAND, PEDRAM MOUSAVI, AND THEIR DAUGHTERS, DARIA AND DORINA MOUSAVI

University of Alberta engineering professors Mojgan Daneshmand and Pedram Mousavi and their two daughters Daria, 14, and Dorina, nine, will be remembered for their kindness, energy and laughter.

Hossein Saghlatoon, who worked with Mousavi, can’t believe the “happiest family you can imagine” is gone. He will always remember their “laughing voices,” he said. “I know whatever they did, it was just for the kids and for a better life for them. They were sweet, sweet people. They were so kind.”

Mousavi chaired a research group in the department of mechanical engineering. As a teacher and supervisor, he always tried to do more for his students and asked how he could improve their time at the school. Saghlatoon said he was the best boss he’d ever had. “We were part of a family, a group that he always encourages. He did his best to give us more. It’s such a void for the university … for us as people who know them so closely.”

Daneshmand received an award for her contributions to the field of engineering.

“She was such an example for women because she encourages all the women,” Saghlatoon said. “After she became a faculty member, so many female students tried to pursue their graduate studies and they did a master’s and PHD with her.”

Daria and Dorina attended a southwest Edmonton school. Both were described as curious, smart girls who asked a lot of questions.

“I’m expecting (Dorina) to come to the class, like I can imagine, in my head constantly, I’m seeing her running around asking me questions,” soccer coach Maryam Hejazi said. “She was so smart. Everyone liked her. And I loved her.”