On 3^rd July, 2017, California’s Zoroastrian community lost a stalwart philanthropist, who served the North American and Global Zoroastrian community for three decades, with the passing away of DhunMai Dalal. A long-time resident of Southern California, DhunMai held various positions and roles at the ZAC (Zoroastrian Association of California) and FEZANA (Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America), besides being Co-Chair of two North American Congresses, in 1985 and in 2014. An avid supporter and promoter of youth leadership within the Zoroastrian community, DhunMai also served as the Trustee and Director of World Zoroastrian Organization in London.

As per the obituary penned by Meher Amalsad, “Her prime purpose in life was focused on how to keep us united as a community through the bond of our Zoroastrian faith. As a founding participant of FEZANA, Dhunmai served as the first Chair of the FEZANA Congress Committee with a vision to ignite and unite the spirit of communal solidarity through North American Congresses. She was also a strong supporter of the Zoroastrian Association Of California and one of its major donors. DhunMai has left a legacy of selfless service for our future generation to emulate with communal pride. Our hats off to her for this relentless dedication with conscientious intention for reaching out to others.”
She is survived by husband Phiroze Dalal, and children Hormazd, Armita and Zane Godrej amidst other family members. Condolences may be sent to Phiroze at fili@mapinc.com or Hormazd at hormazd@mapinc.com