Tala Pearl Shoghi was a remarkable individual whose life radiated creativity, resilience, and joy. An accomplished artist, Tala’s paintings found their place in public spaces around Austin, capturing her unique perspective and vibrant spirit. Beyond her art, she was a dedicated athlete, excelling in swimming and becoming the fastest butterfly swimmer at the Texas Special Olympics in her early twenties. Her favorite moments were on the freestyle relay team, where she felt both camaraderie and personal triumph. Tala’s passions extended to music, dancing, her beloved book club, and an endless fascination with shark movies, all of which added to her joyful and boundless personality.
At the heart of Tala’s life was her deep love and dedication to her family. She was a cherished daughter to Glenda and Majid Shoghi, a devoted sister to Alexander and Irene, and a beloved aunt to her nieces and nephews: Cyrus, Rhodes, Winston, and Laskarina. Her family was her foundation, and her warmth and laughter filled their lives with light.
Despite a lifelong battle with auto-immune disorders that brought immense challenges and pain, Tala never let her struggles define her. Her tenacity and positivity inspired everyone around her, as she approached each day with boundless optimism and an unwavering commitment to happiness and authenticity. Tala’s spirit encouraged everyone she met to live fully, pursue their dreams, and embrace life’s joys.
In honor of her incredible life and legacy, her family established the Tala Shoghi Memorial Fund. This fund reflects Tala’s values of creativity, community, and inclusion, providing tuition support for low-income students in The Arc of the Capital Area’s Art and Education programs. Her family knew that Tala would want others to experience the joy of creative expression and the empowerment of education, just as she did. To learn more about the Art & Education Program, please click here.
By contributing to the Tala Shoghi Memorial Fund, you are helping to ensure that her spirit and love of life will continue to inspire others. Your donation provides opportunities for students to thrive in art and education, fostering a community of creativity and hope in Tala’s memory. To direct your gift to this meaningful cause, please select the Tala Shoghi Memorial Fund in the Designation drop-down menu below.