Obituary of Deborah Mortazavi

Deborah Ann Gordon Mortazavi, 75, of University Ave., Morgantown, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Donnell Hospice House of Washington, PA. Deborah was born in Morgantown on September 23, 1936, a daughter of the late James Raney Gordon and the late Mary (Dickinson) Gordon. Survivors include her husband, Massoud Mortazavi her two daughters, Kelly A. Prosnier and her husband Eric and Amy L. Corder and her partner Andrea Gamarnik one brother, John Dickinson Gordon and his wife Kathy, and six nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, James Raney Gordon, Jr. Deborah was a graduate of Morgantown High School where she was a cheerleader. She also graduated from West Virginia University where she obtained her Bachelorâs and Masterâs Degrees in Physical Education and minored in Anthropology. She then received her Doctorate Degree in Physical Education from Arizona State University. Her career spanned 43 years, having taught at Mesa Community College and Arizona State University. While at Mesa College, Deborah formed the Plum Blossom Tai Chi School. She retired from teaching in 2000, and then formed Lacasita School of Tai Chi and Swords. After her retirement, Deborah chaired the International Studies Program at Mesa Community College for several years, as well as specializing in lectures of Native American Studies. As an Asian traveler, she enjoyed many trips to China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Debby also traveled to Iran to meet and learn more about her husband Massoudâs family. She traveled to Argentina to get to know her daughter Amyâs partner Andreaâs family and culture. She attended the International Womenâs Conference in China on three occasions - one year being accompanied by her daughter, Kelly. She was an animal lover throughout her life, and President of the Great Dane Club in Scottsdale, AZ. For many years, she was involved in breeding, and kept prize-winning dogs herself. She was fluent in French and Chinese, and had a working knowledge of Farsi. Deborah was very proud of her family and its heritage. Her family history in West Virginia spans more than 200 years. She was proud to have raised two successful daughters â" Kelly, who is an accomplished author and lawyer and Amy, who is an accomplished photographer and web developer.Family and friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home., 153 Spruce St., Morgantown on Tuesday, January 24th from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM. The funeral service will commence promptly at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in the Donaldson Family Cemetery, Cheat Lake. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com