Stories of Sanaa

— Caleigh O'Connor, Guinness Girls!

You will forever be a cherished member of The Guinness Girls! Fondly known as our “favorite Raj,” you always showed up for us with the biggest smile, the best energy, and so much pride and love for Aamir. It was impossible not to see how deeply you loved your brother, how proud you are of him and how hard he works, and how naturally you became part of the community around him. A true sports girl (my hockey-loving twin!) with a vibrant spirit, a generous heart, and the kind of joy that made every room brighter. As a world adventurer, you somehow always knew the best places to go and, lucky for all of us, never gatekept a good recommendation! More than anything, you were everyone’s hype girl, whether you were cheering us on from afar through an Instagram DM or celebrating right alongside us with your friends and family. Whether we were hosting at the Guinness Brewery, heading to Soldier Field, or celebrating our collective favorite day of the year (St. Patrick’s Day) you brought the fun, the warmth, and the party with you. The Chicago River Dyeing will not be the same without you, but we will be raising a pint in your honor and carrying your sunshine with us! Aamir, thank you for sharing Sanaa with us. The Guinness Girls are so much better for having known and loved her, we were incredibly lucky to be the recipients of some of her Sanaa-shine. Sending so much love and so many hugs to everyone who loved her. Your Guinness Girl sis, Caleigh

— Mallory Sterrett, Work friend

What pure joy you brought to all of us. I loved our side chats and laughter about loud noises in the office. It was pretty epic how you (and Kirsten) were always the first in line on free lunch Thursdays and we were always scoping out when we could sneak grab that abandoned cookie :) Also, I will be getting that Indiana baby gear for Henry - Go Hoosiers. You are the sunniest. The sweetest. I can't really wrap my head around the fact that I won't see you sitting in the kitchen and I can't just walk up to your desk and talk to you about something random or silly. You are a true light. What an honor and joy it was and is to have known you. Attaching a photo from our last work happy hour and will always always drink a Guinness in your memory. I miss you <3

— Arva, Cousin

One of my fondest memories of you goes back to our visit to Chicago in 2018. My parents, Jamila, Hasnain, and I had travelled there and were staying with Shabbir Mama. During that trip, we visited all of the family, including your home, where we met you and Aamir for the very first time. Even though we barely knew each other then, you made us feel so welcomed and comfortable. What stood out most was your warmth, kindness, and beautiful manners. You genuinely took the time to sit with us, talk to us, and get to know us. I still remember how curious and interested you were in understanding our family connections and relationships. You asked us about life in Kuwait, spoke about your future education plans, and carried every conversation with such sweetness and sincerity. What I cannot forget is your smile — always present, always warm. You had such a gentle voice, such positive energy, and such ambition for your future. You were truly full of life. You had a rare gift of making people feel seen, comforted, and cared for — always offering your smile, your time, and your heart so generously. It breaks my heart to know that such a precious young diamond from our family tree is no longer with us. The news of your passing has left all of us deeply shaken and heartbroken, and it still feels impossible to believe that someone so full of light could leave so soon. But the warmth you carried and the kindness you showed, even in those brief moments together, will always stay in my heart. May you rest in eternal peace and the highest of heavens, surrounded by divine mercy and endless Noor نور, and continue to shine brightly there just as you did here among us. May your beautiful legacy continue to live on through every life you touched and through every act of goodness done in your name. To Zain uncle, Lubaina aunty, and Aamir — there are some losses that words can never truly hold, and losing Sanaa is one of them. Our hearts are with you every moment. We pray that you are granted immense strength, sabr, and peace through this unimaginable pain. Sanaa, you will always be remembered with love. From Lamiya Aunty, Yusuf Uncle Arva and Abbas Jamila and Hasnain

— Abby Brewster, NNHS

We hadn’t spoken in years, but in that time I have relived our Italy trip, show choir adventures, and our gym convos about everything from hockey to boys to life, so many times. You were a light in my life from the moment I met you in show choir over a decade ago, and throughout my life since, our memories have never failed to bring a smile to my face. I tell so many people about our freezing/haunted hotel and finally finding Mulan at the rest stop to spend all night learning the Italian lyrics to “I’ll make a man out of you.” I was literally just talking about you and reminiscing the other day with some of our old friends, and I can’t fathom this is real. I am devastated to know you’re no longer here, but I’m so grateful to have known you and to have the memories we made, even if it was far too little time. I hope you’re somewhere beautiful. I hope you’re at peace, and I hope your loved ones that remain here feel the love being sent from all the people who ever knew you around the world. Thank you for being an incredible soul. I truly wouldn’t have made it through that part of my life without you. Rest easy, and I promise to remember our moments and adventures with a smile.

— Abby Stevenson-Greiss, Friend from Highschool

Sanaa and I were friends in high school. We were in the same show choir for several years, and I always deeply admired her. To me, she and her friends were leaders — the kind of upperclassmen I hoped to become. On those long nights on the show choir bus, they never hesitated to scoop up me and my friends and bring us along to dinner. When you’re new to high school and new to show choir, being included by an older kid feels like magic. I remember once feeling insecure and nervous before giving a speech to the choir. Sanaa and her friend Belle made me feel comfortable and confident, despite barely knowing me. It seems small now — speaking to a choir — but as a freshman, having someone older and wiser believe in you is life-changing. That speech led to me meeting my best friend, who happened to be another friend of Sanaa’s. Her kindness had a ripple effect that shaped my life in ways she never even knew. My heart breaks for Sanaa and her family. In her honor, I plan to never stop extending the same kindness she so freely gave — to anyone who might need it. She lives on through compassion, encouragement, and sunshine.

— Divya & Bineet Sarang, Family Friends

“A beam of light, a gentle grace, The world was brighter for a space. A heart of gold, a spirit sweet” Anon

— Rekha Tobaccowala, Through her parents, Lubaina and Zain

I met Sanaa with Lubaina at a Diwali celebration by Pranita Nayar’s Mandala Arts. I was so impressed by her sweet face and kind demeanor. She was a star we lost too soon and will miss seeing her again. May she shine bright up in the sky and know how much we admire her.

— Muryem, Friend from high school

I saw Sanaa for the first time in over 10 years just last month. We had been friends in our early teens and lost touch overtime. But she brought her bright, vibrant energy to a day retreat that I hosted. She was an open and willing to participate in all the sessions, came with friends, and we enjoyed lunch together. It felt like a full circle moment coming together and seeing her during the last trimester of my pregnancy. I witnessed her kindness firsthand, repeatedly. Now I’m sending lots of love to the gaps she will be leaving behind in the hearts of those who loved her and were loved by her.