Toofawn Simhai

Toofawn Simhai, 65, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and computer whiz, of Devils Lake, ND, passed away on September 3, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND due to complications from a stroke.    Toofawn was born on March 27, 1952 in Hartford, CT to Robert and Irene Gunshanan. She graduated from Suffield High School in Suffield, CT in 1970.  She met Faramarz Simhai in Hartford, CT when she was 18.  That began their lifelong romance and 45 year marriage.  She loved, cherished and cared for her soul mate with a dedication that inspired other people to love more, celebrate their partners, and appreciate their blessings.  She is adored and will be greatly missed. Toofawn was also a dedicated mother and grandmother, raising her kids with picnics, adventures, stories, creativity, and fun. She was devoted to her family, creating happy memories and building a legacy of love, family dinners, and big dreams.  She was there for so many when they needed an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on.  Not only was Toofawn loving and committed to her family, she was also a brilliant, strong, tenacious and successful woman.    In 1996 Toofawn earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree summa cum laude from UND, and in 1998 she earned her MBA from UND.  Toofawn was a member of several honor societies, was listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges in 1997, and received numerous awards, including the Small Business Institute Directors’ Association regional case of the year award in 1998.  In 1998, Toofawn began her career with Lake Region State College (LRSC, formerly UND-LR), where she was promoted to Chief Information Officer. In 2005 Toofawn and her team won the Paragon Award of Excellence from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations for best website. As CIO, Toofawn kept LRSC secure on campus and online.  She managed many technology projects and teams. Toofawn understood computers and people.  Toofawn was a leader and a pillar of the LRSC community.  She helped build consensus, saw and brought out the best in people, and was well known for her fresh ideas and thoughtful consideration of all options.  Toofawn tirelessly served LRSC for almost 20 years.   Toofawn has touched the lives and hearts of many people. She will be missed and her legacy will live on.  In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials may be directed to fund a scholarship in her name at Lake Region State College. (Memorials may be directed to the Lake Region State College Foundation, 1801 College Drive, N.  Devils Lake, ND 58301 or online at www.lrsc.edu/foundation, click on “memorials and honorariums”). Toofawn is survived by her husband, Faramarz Simhai of Devils Lake, her son Rostam Simhai of Devils Lake, her daughter, Mina Simhai of Arlington VA, her grandchildren Patrick Simhai, Rita Anna Simhai Castellano and Azadi Dex Simhai Castellano, all of Arlington, VA and her sister Nancy Gunshanan of Ranham, MA. Visitation on Monday, September 11 will be at Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A funeral for Toofawn will be on Tuesday, September 12 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lake Region State College, Devils Lake, with a reception to follow. Toofawn’s remains will be cremated.