Mokarram "Moky" Keytash

Mokarram Keytash, a resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at age 87. A devoted mother, grandmother, teacher, and the kindest soul, she leaves a legacy of love, generosity, and selflessness.

Lovingly known as "Moky" she was born on August 2, 1937, in Tabriz, Iran, as the youngest of 8 siblings. A passionate educator, she spent some of her happiest years teaching elementary school in Shiraz, Iran, where she was deeply loved not only by her students but also by the entire school staff. Teaching was more than a job for her-it was her calling, and she left a lasting impact on every child she taught.

She immigrated to the United States fulltime in the late 1980's with her family, embracing a new chapter filled with resilience and dedication. She was a mother who devoted her entire life to her three beloved children, always putting their needs above her own. As a grandmother, she adored all her grandchildren, but having been younger when her first granddaughter was born, she formed a special bond with her, spending countless hours babysitting, driving to and from school, and sharing in life's little joys. One of the happiest moments of her life was when she learned that her son, daughter-in-law, and beloved triplet grandchildren were moving back to Massachusetts.

Moky was the kindest soul, always the first to help anyone in need. Whether it was family, friends, or even strangers, she gave without hesitation, never expecting anything in return. She had a special love for children and always contributed to fundraising efforts and charities that supported them.

Water was her true element-she loved being near it, taking boat rides, and simply sitting by the ocean, watching the waves. It was her wish to be cremated and have her ashes spread over the ocean, where she always felt at peace.

Moky is survived by her three children, Ken Hashemi and his wife Carla of North Andover, Kati Zonouz and her husband Ali Heidari of Melrose, and Koroush Zonouz and his wife Shiva of North Reading, and her four cherished grandchildren, Atousa, Rayan, Tina, and Shayan.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mehdi H. Zonouz, who passed away two years ago. Though our hearts are heavy with her loss, we find comfort knowing they are together again.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared soon.

To honor her love for children, we have set up a donation fund in her name. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude's Hospital http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/Moky - a cause she cared deeply about.

Her kindness, love, and gentle spirit will forever remain in our hearts.