Author: Ally Dustin

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Rimsha Asif, a cherished member of our international community, a loyal friend, a warm soul, and a beloved human being whose light touched the lives of many across the world.

Rimsha’s sudden passing has shaken us to our core. Loss affects us all in different ways—some of us knew her well, others shared fleeting moments with her—but no matter the depth of the interaction, her impact was real and lasting. Her presence, her energy, and her kindness were unmistakable. She was someone who made you feel seen, heard, and valued, no matter who you were or where you came from.

A Heart Full of Compassion

To describe Rimsha Asif is to speak of compassion, warmth, grace, and resilience. She was a radiant spirit who believed in the strength of community and the power of love, support, and shared experience. As a member of the International Community and FOI family, Rimsha played an integral role in connecting people from diverse backgrounds, making them feel at home, seen, and supported.

She had a rare ability to listen with genuine empathy and to speak words that could bring calm in moments of chaos. Her quiet strength and thoughtful insight made her a pillar to those around her. She didn’t need to raise her voice to be heard—her presence spoke volumes.

Rimsha led not by title, but by example. Her kindness was unwavering, her smile infectious, and her sincerity boundless. She believed in lifting others up and did so effortlessly—whether through a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or a shared laugh on a hard day.

A Friend to All, A Stranger to None

In the international circles where Rimsha thrived, she was often described as a bridge—someone who brought people together, who eased transitions and helped make unfamiliar places feel like home. She had a way of making even newcomers feel instantly welcomed.

To many, she was more than a friend—she was a sister, a confidant, a source of strength. She had a knack for remembering the little things—birthdays, traditions, cultural quirks—and used them to build deeper connections. Whether sharing tea, helping with language barriers, or organizing cultural events, Rimsha showed us what it meant to live with heart and purpose.

And though her time with us feels tragically short, her influence reaches far beyond what words can capture.

Grieving Together, Holding Space for One Another

To our FOI family, and to all grieving this tremendous loss:
We see you. We feel your sorrow. We are grieving alongside you.

Loss does not have a schedule or a script. There is no right way to mourn, and each of us must move through grief in our own way, at our own pace. It’s okay to feel confused, lost, numb, or deeply heartbroken. These are natural reactions to such a profound void.

As you remember Rimsha, whether through shared memories or quiet reflection, know that you are not alone. We encourage you to lean on one another, to talk, to cry, to celebrate her life, and to find healing in the community she helped build.

Share stories. Recall the laughter. Light a candle. Say a prayer. Write her a letter. These small gestures may seem simple, but they are deeply powerful acts of remembrance. They remind us that love endures—even when life does not.

Her Legacy Lives On

Though Rimsha is no longer with us in body, her spirit is very much alive. It lives on in the countless lives she touched, the friendships she helped foster, and the values she embodied. Her legacy is one of inclusion, understanding, kindness, and deep, unwavering empathy.

Let us honor her not just in grief, but in action:

• Welcome others with open hearts, as she did.
• Listen with intent, as she always did.
• Celebrate diversity and culture, just as she passionately embraced them.
• Stand together, as she helped us learn to do.

Let her life continue to inspire unity, kindness, and the type of fierce love that knows no borders.

A Final Farewell, With Love

As we say goodbye to Rimsha Asif, let us do so with gratitude. Gratitude for having known her. Gratitude for the light she brought into our lives. Gratitude for the lessons she taught us simply by being herself.

Let us hold her memory close as we move forward—one step at a time. The path ahead may feel uncertain without her, but we carry her spirit in every kind word, every act of compassion, every effort to build the kind of world she dreamed of.

To Rimsha’s family, friends, and loved ones—we send you our deepest condolences. May you find peace in knowing how widely and deeply she was loved. May you be surrounded by the same warmth and support she so freely gave.

Rimsha, thank you for everything.
You made the world better.
You made our lives brighter.
And though we must now live without you, we will never forget you.

Rest in peace, dear Rimsha. Your love lives on in all of us.

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Kerry Guidry, a beloved father, lawyer, colleague, and friend. Kerry’s sudden departure has left a tremendous void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. His passing is not only a personal loss to his family and friends but also to the wider community of Houston and beyond, where he built a life filled with meaning, purpose, and deep connections.

A Lifelong Friend and Steadfast Companion

For those who had the privilege of knowing Kerry, it is impossible to sum up his impact in a few short words. He was a man who carried friendships through life—from high school days to the present, he remained a loyal and dependable friend to many. He was one of those rare souls who stayed true to his values, never lost sight of what mattered most, and always found time for those he cared about.

One of his closest friends expressed the devastation so many now feel:

“Kerry was a friend I’ve carried through life—from high school to adulthood. This news has shaken me and so many of my closest friends. He was one of the good ones.”

Kerry had the rare ability to light up a room just by walking in. He had a quiet confidence, a sharp mind, and a disarming sense of humor that made everyone feel welcome and seen. Whether you knew him from the courtroom, a school meeting, or a backyard barbecue, you knew you were in the presence of someone genuine and kind.

A Dedicated Father Above All

Of all the titles Kerry held in his life—lawyer, colleague, mentor—none meant more to him than father. His two children were the center of his world. He spoke often and with pride about their accomplishments, dreams, and the people they were becoming.

One of his children is soon to graduate high school and head off to college, a milestone Kerry was deeply excited for. His younger child now faces life without the guiding hand of her beloved father, a reality that no one should have to face so soon.

Kerry’s parenting was full of love, guidance, humor, and unwavering support. He was present, involved, and attentive—not just a provider, but a nurturer. He wanted nothing more than for his children to succeed, to feel loved, and to know their worth.

As a community, we now rally around them in this time of unimaginable grief. A GoFundMe has been established to help support their needs—covering funeral expenses and assisting with their educational and future expenses. It is a chance for all of us who loved Kerry to give back to the man who gave so much to others.

A Respected Lawyer and Compassionate Colleague

Professionally, Kerry Guidry was a dedicated and principled attorney. He was known for his sharp intellect, deep understanding of the law, and, perhaps most importantly, his empathy for the people he represented and worked alongside.

Kerry brought not just knowledge, but integrity and compassion to every case he touched. He believed in fairness and justice—not only in the legal sense but in how people should treat one another. In the high-pressure world of law, Kerry remained calm, composed, and deeply human.

His colleagues remember him not only as a valuable member of their legal team but also as someone who genuinely cared about others. Whether it was offering a listening ear, cracking a joke to ease a stressful day, or simply being there when someone needed support, Kerry made his mark.

A heartfelt message from his team reads:

“His dedication, kindness, and camaraderie left an unforgettable mark on our team. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kerry. You will always be remembered.”

A Legacy of Generosity and Love

Kerry’s life was a shining example of how to live with integrity, love without conditions, and give without expectation. He made time for people, he lifted others when they were down, and he was never too busy to show up.

His passing reminds us of the fragility of life, but it also reminds us of the power of a life well lived. Kerry leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and generosity—a legacy that we, as his community, are now entrusted to carry forward.

If you ever met Kerry, even briefly, you were touched by his presence. He had the ability to make people feel like they mattered, no matter who they were or where they came from. He treated everyone with respect and made sure the people around him knew they were appreciated.

As we grapple with this tremendous loss, we turn to each other for support and healing. In honor of Kerry’s memory, let us continue the work he believed in—supporting families, lifting up our friends, and making our communities stronger through compassion and unity.

Supporting Kerry’s Children

The days ahead will be difficult for Kerry’s children, who are now navigating a world without the guidance and support of their beloved father. If you are looking for a way to honor Kerry’s life, please consider contributing to the GoFundMe created on their behalf.

Every donation, no matter the amount, is a gesture of love and support, a way of saying, “You are not alone.” It is our chance to give back to the family of someone who gave so much to all of us.

Let us show Kerry’s children the same compassion and strength that their father exemplified every day of his life.

Rest in Peace, Kerry Guidry

Though your time with us was far too short, your impact was immeasurable. We will carry your memory with us—in our hearts, in our actions, and in the way we care for one another.

Thank you, Kerry, for being a friend, a father, a mentor, and a man of character.

You will be missed more than words can express.
You will be remembered always.
You will be loved forever.

Rest peacefully.