Nadji Zad

Nadji Zad passed away peacefully on June 12, 2023, in San Diego, California, at the age of 66. Her passing was unexpected, and she was surrounded by her loved ones when she left this world.

Nadji is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, Saeid; her beloved children, Payman and Layla; her cherished grandchildren, Ariyan and Gabriella; her Mohamed and sister Manijeh; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, whom she loved deeply.

Born in 1957 in Tehran, Iran, Nadji married the love of her life, Saeid, in 1977. The couple began their journey together in Chicago, where they welcomed their first child, Payman, in 1980. Later, they settled in Toronto, Canada, where Nadji and Saeid raised their family surrounded by the warmth of their extended family. Their daughter, Layla, was born there in 1988. Despite the challenges of raising a young family, Nadji completed her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at the University of Toronto, laying the foundation for a lifelong career dedicated to helping others.

In 2008, Nadji and her family relocated to San Diego, where she built new traditions and cherished countless memories with her loved ones. Among her greatest joys was watching her children and grandchildren grow, thrive, and make her endlessly proud. Over the last 15 years of her life, she and Saeid traveled the world together and cultivated a stunning garden that reflected her creativity and love for beauty.

Professionally, Nadji dedicated her career to advancing clinical research and improving the lives of patients involved in clinical trials. She was exceptionally loyal, spending her entire career with the same company. Her colleagues admired her for her tireless work ethic, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to excellence.

As a mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Nadji was an inspiring role model — hardworking, talented, and deeply kind. She filled her home with love, laughter, and the aroma of her incredible cooking. Nadji had a gift for creating beauty, whether through her delicious meals, her passion for baking, or her many creative hobbies. She loved knitting, even on long business flights.  She also sewed, even making her wedding dress. In the latter part of her life, she continued to learn and create, experimenting with handmade shampoo bars and face creams. Nadji was truly a lifelong student — always curious, always improving, always giving.

In her final act of generosity, Nadji gave the gift of life to three people through organ donation. Her selflessness continues to touch lives even beyond her passing.

Nadji will be remembered for her genuine kindness, gentle spirit, and the love she gave so freely. She will be forever missed by those who were blessed to know her.

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