She was a sweet and loving person who liked to make sure everyone had enough to eat.
Fourghozaman Firoozian, 78, was killed in a hit-and-run accident in a crosswalk on Mary Street in Chilliwack last Thursday.
Her friends knew her as “Fourogh” for short, which sounded like “Farouk” when pronounced.
A candlelight vigil was held in her honour Sunday night to remember her kind and generous ways, attracting more than 100 people.
Many showed up after the Sunday handups meal served to the hungry by SPARKS members.
“It was so nice to see so many people come and light candles,” said vigil organizer Jen Lewis.
“It was such a beautiful sight for a beautiful lady.”
The active Chilliwack volunteer was well known at SPARKS Handups, especially for bringing large pots full of her tasty signature dishes to feed the hungry: fish cakes, fried rice, and noodles.
They will miss her big smile at the community meal served to those in need.
“She fit right in. She loved bringing food,” said Sue Knudsen, one of the co-founders of SPARKS.
“Fourogh was out there every Sunday with us, even dishing it out in the heat of summer. That people should ‘eat, eat, eat,’ was all she was ever worried about.”
The fatal collision was nothing short of “tragic,” Knudsen said.
A memorial for Firoozian with photos, candles and flowers was set up outside her apartment building on Mary Street, near where she struck by a pickup truck in the crosswalk.
She will be deeply missed, said Lana Hergott of Chilliwack Community Services, as a good friend to so many.
“She was a kind, generous, sparkling soul who brightened any room she walked into,” said Hergott.
“I was blessed to work alongside her as she volunteered at Family Place and at Better Beginnings.”
The Chilliwack lady “certainly lived life to the fullest,” she added.
The collision that took place at the corner of Mary Street and Patten Avenue was reported to emergency responders last Thursday over the lunch hour. From what can be pieced together by those who knew her, the feisty senior had been on her way to donate food to Chilliwack Community Services and take part in the lunchtime Conversation Circle group for new immigrants.
Firoozian was transported to hospital but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.
There is no official word yet on any charges, according to RCMP, as the investigation continues.
A suspect pickup truck was tracked down on Hope River Road the same afternoon as the accident. Police had one in custody after the MVA.
Cathy Grozier lived in the same apartment building as Fourogh.
“She was absolutely the most caring, compassionate, loving lady,” she said.
“I and all who knew her in our apartment complex were so blessed to have her as our family, tenant and close neighbour, for me only two floors below me. She will be dearly missed.”
Funeral services for Fourghozaman Firoozian will be on Wednesday Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home at 45901 Victoria Ave.
