Maryam Whelan, born March 22, 1977, passed away, June 18, 2017 surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Maryam was proud of her Persian heritage as well as her upbringing in Dubai. She earned several academic degrees including a Bachelors and Masters degree from Skyline University of Dubai. She spoke five languages fluently and considered herself a citizen of the world. One of her happiest moments came in the summer of 2016 when she became a United States citizen.
Maryam loved adventure, learning and creative endeavors. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her fierce loyalty and her overwhelming kindness, which she bestowed upon all she met. Above all, Maryam cherished her relationships with family and friends and loved nothing more than spending time with them.
She is survived by her husband, Brian; daughter, Sophia; mother, Sherry Ameri; father, sisters, brother, nieces and nephews of the Ameri family; mother and father in law, Bill and Kathy Whelan; brother and sister in law, Michael and Emily Whelan, their children; and many cousins.
Greeting period Wednesday, June 21, 2017 from 2:00 PM until time of her memorial service at 4:00 PM at Chas. Verheyden Funeral Home, 16300 Mack, Grosse Pointe Park, MI.
In lieu of flowers, please keep Maryams memory alive by making a contribution to one of her passions: The Super Woman Fund of Henry Ford Hospital (1 Ford Place, Suite 5A, Detroit, MI 48202), which provides financial support for impoverished women battling this insidious disease; or to Rose Hill (5130 Rose Hill Blvd., Holly, MI 48442), which provides countless services to those suffering from mental illness.
Tributes
The First Group in Dubai wrote on Jul 26, 2017:
"To all of Maryam's family. Those of us who worked with Maryam were deeply shocked and saddened to learn that she has passed away. We remember her wonderfully zestful and bubbly personality and intoxicating smile, along with her drive and enthusiasm for everything she took on for us. Maryam was a big part of the success of The First Group. With her amazing linguistic skills, Maryam helped us move into new and emerging markets and for those contributions we will be eternally grateful. Maryam had many friends and colleagues at The First Group who were sorry that she decided to leave however they were also happy that she was so excited about moving to the USA. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Brian and Sophia and family and friends - she will live on in our hearts and minds."
Gary Shepherd wrote on Jul 25, 2017:
"I have just heard this awful news and I would like to send my condolences to Maryam's family. I worked with Maryam in Dubai as well as on trips to Moscow and Almaty. She was a great talent and a positive force and I am deeply saddened to hear of her untimely passing."
Bob and family wrote on Jul 25, 2017:
"Such sad sad news to hear today. Heaven will be brightened by your smile and zest for life. RIP"
Maria wrote on Jul 25, 2017:
"Rest in peace beautiful soul"
Anastasiya Sivakovskaya wrote on Jul 25, 2017:
"Maryam was a dear friend and a very kind person. I will always remember her as a person full of light."
Darya and the family wrote on Jul 25, 2017:
"A beautiful person. Will alway remain in our memories as a ray of light, happiness and laughter. . Maryam was a woman many admired for her genuine nature.
May her soul rest in peace.
Innalilahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon..
"
Tatiana, Abraham and kids wrote on Jul 25, 2017:
""Love knows no boundaries. While Maryam is no longer physically with us, her spirit is always around us. My deepest condolences."
We love Maryam so much and always will do. "
sarah wildgen wrote on Jul 2, 2017:
"It is apparent that Maryam was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her. I knew her only briefly but she made such an impression on me that I think about her frequently. Her loss must be incalculable to her husband Brian and her daughter.
Surely through them, Maryam's goodness and the meaning of her life will be extended."
Adriana & Claudiu wrote on Jun 22, 2017:
"We are never forget !!!!we are loved forever !!!we are missing already."
Evgeny wrote on Jun 22, 2017:
"I still can't believe that is true!
She was an Angel here on Earth.
She is an Angel there in the sky! "
Steve Poissant wrote on Jun 21, 2017:
"My condolences to the Family of Maryam"
Suzy Alberts wrote on Jun 21, 2017:
"My prayers go out to the entire Whelan and Ameri family. "
Mary Lynn Miller wrote on Jun 21, 2017:
"My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Brian and the Whelan family as well as the Ameri family.Such a tragic loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Lynn Miller and family
"
Allison Lambrix wrote on Jun 20, 2017:
"Sending the Whelan & Ameri family my sincerest condolences. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. "
Tammy Johnson wrote on Jun 20, 2017:
"My heartfelt condolences go out to you Brian, Sophia and all of the Whelan and Ameri family.
Maryam was a beautiful woman and I am sure the memories of her will keep her in your heart.
Bless you all."
John and Noelle George wrote on Jun 20, 2017:
"We will continue to pray for Maryam's families for any help God can grant in coping with this tragic death. We were lucky to know such a beautiful soul even though it was for too brief of a time. Our hearts are broken with yours. LOve and sympathy, John and Noelle"
Lisa Haliburton wrote on Jun 20, 2017:
"My deepest condolence to you & your family. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. My prayers are with you during this most difficult times."
Ed, Hannah & Twins wrote on Jun 20, 2017:
"We are very saddened to hear of the the passing of Maryam - we are very privelaged to have known Maryam here in Dubai and our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Brian, daughter Sophia, her sisters and brothers and family."
Ceci and Tommy Thomassie wrote on Jun 19, 2017:
"Maryam was such a beautiful person inside and out. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire family. "
Julie and Rex Edwards wrote on Jun 19, 2017:
"We are deeply saddened at the loss of our "Maryme". She was such a delightful, loving person, and we are so blessed to have had her as part of our extended family. Please know that our prayers are with all of you.
"
Marcia & Nellie wrote on Jun 19, 2017:
"We are sad beyond words. Mariam had a positive, glowing energy that she brought to everyone she met.
We pray for Brian and the entire Whelan family."
Pat & Melissa Bailey wrote on Jun 19, 2017:
"Our deepest condolences to the Whelan Family. May God grant you strength at this most difficult time. "