Aireen was my cousin’s daughter but I didn’t know her until four years ago when she and Mike came to my son’s graduation in Indiana University in Bloomington. At that time I felt like I had known her for a long time already. She was very warm and friendly; very respectful and humble. So when Joseph was accepted to Indiana University’s Medical School, we went back to Indiana for the White Coat Ceremony (we’re Marylanders). While we were there, we contacted Aireen and in an hour she was there to meet us. Mike took us out to lunch and then the following day they prepared a sumptuous meal for us and had a cake for Joseph. Even without any notice, they took time out of their busy schedule to be with us. They were very hospitable and kind and very thoughtful and loving.
Aireen was only 38 years old but she had been through a lot. She had her share of hardships and trials in life. She had big responsibilities at such a young age. I guess those experiences gave her strength and endurance, made her more compassionate and kind, more trustworthy and more responsible. Mike was her “Knight in Shining armor.” They were a perfect match. When they visited us here in MD, we observed how they loved each other and how they took care of each other. We could tell that they had a loving and nurturing relationship.
Aireen also had an artistic side in her. We can see it in how she dressed herself and how she decorated her house. She kept her house immaculate and comfortable. She also liked plants and she was a good cook. She had good taste.
Aireen was somebody that can get along well with both old and young people. Everybody just wanted to gravitate to her. She was always smiling, fun to be with, very considerate and always serving. She was beautiful inside and out, a very special person. We are going to miss her.
Josephine Dario