Driver in fatal hit and run called 'generous' by friends

By Scott Merzbach
Staff Writer

Published on June 05, 2009

A loving, caring woman with a generous spirit is how friends describe Parvin Niroomand, the Amherst woman who stands accused in a hit-and-run accident Memorial Day morning that killed 33-year-old bicyclist Misty Bassi.

Tablecloths and floral centerpieces that decorate the tables at the Bangs Community Center, where daily meals are served to senior citizens and Niroomand was a regular volunteer, are just one reflection of this spirit, according to her fellow volunteers.

Niroomand, 75, was arraigned Wednesday in Eastern Hampshire District Court on charges relating to the death of Bassi, who was allegedly killed in a collision with Niroomand's car while cycling on University Drive.

Friends who know Niroomand well say they are ready to stand by the woman who has a passion for cooking and crafts and who is always helping others.

"Parvin comes across as a very helpful person to the community, giving a lot of time and financial means to help anyone in the community," said Nevine Ibrahim, a member of the Hampshire Mosque in Amherst.

Niroomand has been an active volunteer at community functions at the mosque and with events and programs at the Amherst Senior Center and the Jones Library.

No one answered the door at Niroomand's home at the Clark House last week, and her daughter, Padi Jalali, reached by phone at her Hickory Lane home, declined to comment.

Nancy Pagano, director of the Senior Center, said that Niroomand has been so vital to the center that she won the Eveline Sears Senior Activist Award, the biggest award for volunteerism the center hands out. "We love her very much," Pagano said.

People who work at the Senior Center are reaching out to Niroomand as best they are able. Ferne Finger, the site director for the Highland Valley Elder Services lunch program, who has worked alongside her for more than 10 years, called her, and Council on Aging secretary Rosemary Kofler sent her a note.

"We are trying to support her in any way we can in this difficult time," Pagano said.

Finger said Niroomand raised the money to buy the tablecloths, which cost close to $1,000, and made the artificial flower centerpieces that change with the seasons. The Senior Center is different without her presence, but Finger appreciates what she must be going through.

"It's a very, very difficult situation for her," Finger said. "It's devastating."

Three days a week, Niroomand has helped Finger with putting on the meal, and also teaches a regular crafts class that does knitting and sewing projects.

"She's a woman who has a heart of gold, who helps everyone, even people not pleasant to her," Finger said.

Once a year, she makes a big spread for the volunteers in the crafts class, using, in part, the cooking lessons she learned years ago in Paris.

"She just is one of these people who you ask to do something and she does it," Finger said.

Many of the items produced in the crafts class, such as scarves, baby shoes and winter caps, are displayed in cases both in the Bangs Community Center hallway and in the Senior Center offices, for people to buy to help support programs. Kofler notes that Niroomand places prices on all these items. "She takes responsibility and does a thorough job," Kofler said.

Kofler said Niroomand has a self-sacrificing personality. "It's not about her; it's always about the other person," Kofler said.

Naz Mohamed, who considers Niroomand a close friend, echoes the sentiments of those at the Senior Center.

"She has been very, very forthcoming with all volunteer work and has a willingness to help out on any occasion," Mohamed said.

Abida Adnan, another friend of Niroomand's, said her warmth and loving attitude is reflected in the work she does in the communities she serves.

Ibrahim points to the regular visits Niroomand makes to the sick. "She used to visit anyone sick in the community and always bring in flowers," Ibrahim said.

Niroomand has also regularly made donations on behalf of needy people, Ibrahim said.

As friends and family mourn Bassi's death, people who know Niroomand are also saddened by the accident.

"It's painful for all of us," Kofler said.

Mohamed said she is left speechless. "I am really surprised she would have left the scene of an accident," Mohamed said. "From what I know about her, she's a very responsible person."

Pagano cautions people not to jump to any conclusions about what happened.

"She is one of the finest people we know, and would never knowingly hurt anyone," Pagano said.

Finger agreed with this assessment and wonders why someone who brings so much to the community is now dealing with a tragedy that cost a young woman her life.

"The old saying is bad things happen to good people," Finger said.

Adnan said she has sympathy for both her friend and Bassi.

"My heart goes out to her, and obviously to the victim, too," Adnan said.