Najla Choueiri BACHIR

1925 - 2021

NAJLA CHOUEIRI BACHIR May 25, 1925 - December 16, 2021 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Najla Choueiri Bachir. We mourn but also celebrate an incredible woman who knew no bounds for love and compassion. Our mother was one of the kindest and gentlest people we knew. She was a loving, hard-working daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was simply an amazing woman who encouraged and uplifted us. She raised five kids, was a great cook and gardener, and ran a successful business, Najla's Boutique, to help make ends meet. She did it all with a great sense of humour, dedication, and style. We have lost the best of us. Mom passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and caregivers after a long battle with dementia. A loving daughter to Nicholas Choueiri and Saide Bachir Choueiri. Najla was predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years John (Hanna) in 2004 and her daughter Grace (Inaam) Hishon in 2019, and by her brothers Elias, Jamal, and Ambassador Chawki Schwayri. A devoted mother to George (Ayesha), Anissa (Barry), Salah (Jacob), and Ziad (Rima). Loving sister to Afaf Khalife of Beirut Lebanon, Ali Schwayri of New York and her sister-in-law and dear friend Selwa Choueiri of Kfarhata Lebanon. Adoring grandmother (Taita) to Kelley (Mark Pulfer) and Riel Hishon, Ameel and Aliya Bachir, Jonathan (Ilana Allice) and Nicholas Beale (Nicole Herz), John and Christopher Bachir, and Ivy Yerex. Great-grandmother to Owen, Timothy and Hannah Hishon, Logan and Blake Beale and Leander Alice-Beale. Mom will be greatly missed by her many caring nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews and family and friends who all adored her. She will always be with us. Najla was born in Lebanon and immigrated to Canada 1965. She maintained a home in Lebanon and will be mourned by many family and friends there. We had an expression in the family that was started by our grandmothers, both mom's mother and her mother-in-law: 'Not everyone is Najla.' It often followed her suggestion that there is good in everyone, or when she showed her great empathy and compassion towards others. She knew no limit for love or kindness, always helped in every way she could, and loved her family and friends unconditionally. Even with dementia and Alzheimer's, there was still a song to be sung, a twinkle in her eye and kisses as she recognized her kids and grandkids. She will always be in our hearts and leaves us an incredible legacy of love and kindness. Our heartfelt thanks to her palliative care doctors from the Dorothy Ley Hospice, Dr. Roy and Dr. Zive, and Dr. Varga at St Joe's. Special thanks to our friends and caregivers Florence Tipon, Irenea Sinoc, Sandra Kresic, Analyn Perrion, Esther Anosa, Nida Carnigal and Judy Richards among many who cared for her in the last few years. Donations in mom's memory can be made to St. Joseph's Health Centre - https://supportstjoes.ca/ways-to-give/ - or the Dorothy Ley Hospice - https://secure2.convio.net/dlhos/site/Donation2?idb=1736799425&1080.donation=form1&df_id=1080&mfc_pref=T. A private family service will take place followed by interment next to her husband and daughter. Allah M'aak mom. Those we love never leave us. And oh how we love you, mom.