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Leah El RAYESS Obituary
El RAYESS, Leah Rebecca "Laya " September 3, 1980 January 15, 2010 Laya was taken suddenly on January 15, 2010, from her loving family and her partner, Paul. She will be remembered and loved forever for her magnetic and free-spirited beauty. The impact she had on everyone she touched, including those who knew her from Point Grey Pharmacy, where she worked with her father, will be with us always. Laya leaves a legacy of kindness, humanity and selfless caring. We will never forget her dimples and the joy her presence brought to everyone. Laya is survived by her life partner, Paul, her parents, Safouh and Jaki, sisters, Hanna and Sara, brother, Hani, niece and nephew, Jayden and Jared, and family around the world. She will be in our hearts for all time. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully received by Covenant House. www.covenanthousebc.org A memorial will be held on January 31st 2010 at West Point United Church. 4595 West 8th Ave Vancouver BC. V6R 2A4 at 2:30pm. 576256
Memories and Condolences
for Leah El RAYESS
Sponsored by Someone in Point Grey who sends you sympathy and prayers. How terrible that she is gone..
59 Entries
December 22, 2015
We still miss you always. Bea
Gillian
December 19, 2015
Sending love to you, Jaki and your family.
December 17, 2015
This will be our 5th Christmas without you. Yes, we still miss you and cherish our thoughts/remembrances of you. I continue to light candles for you in any church I visit in other countries. Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Morocco, France. I feel I leave a little of your thoughts and magic there. I love you. Mom
Jaki El Rayess
July 28, 2012
I love you my sweet lovely Laya. Leslie lights candles for you in Florence and I have lit candles for you both here and in England. I send you emails too, I wonder where they go?
Jeanette Oostlander
July 27, 2012
Laya -- i miss you still.
Jeanette Oostlander
August 10, 2011
Dear Safouh and family,
I finally went in to the pharmacy to ask about her as i did not know that Laya was gone until you told me. There are no words to express what i feel today The world lost a beautiful soul. Laya, thank you for the caring, for the laughter, for the red rain hat you picked out for me, for your bright presence that even the gloomiest Point Grey winterday could dampen. You were a gift!
Beatrice Fogelberg
December 30, 2010
As the one year anniversary of Laya's death approaches, Paul's and my thoughts are with you everyday. Reading the condolences and reflecting on her life, it is apparent that she was loved and supported by family and friends. She could not have had a more giving family. Our hearts are full of sadness for your loss.
All our love, Bea & Paul
Kristin Reid-Wessel
September 2, 2010
She was Leah to me, I missed getting to know Laya and it will always be my biggest regret. She was beautiful inside and out. She was my best friend when we were the 'annoying little sisters' to our big sis's. The 'silly girls' to our loving parents.
We were both to celebrate our 30th birthdays this month. And I sincerely wish we were somehow sharing it together, but she will be on my mind. She is never far from my thoughts as is her wonderful family. You always treated me like I was one of your own, and for that I sincerely thank you.
Love, Kristin
Duckie
August 25, 2010
I can't get you out of my head. I miss you so much, Laya!
Michelle Cameron
March 10, 2010
Safouh & Family,
I was so saddened to hear about your loss. I worked a few shifts with Laya before I left Point Grey Pharmacy, and I remember laughing the whole time because she was such a funny, bright girl with suprising insight into the world for someone so young. Everyone around her felt lighter after laughing with her, that was her effect on people. Please know my mother Cecelia, and my sister Shannon also want to express their sympathy for you at this time.
March 6, 2010
To those who knew Laya,
Thank you all so very much: to those who have posted on this site; to those who attended the memorial service and to those who were turned away from lack of space in the church; to those who sent us cards and/or flowers; to those who have visited us either at work or at home and to those who have donated to Covenant House.
Your support has meant so much to all our family. Life goes by day-by-day and some days or moments are worse than others. We know Laya, who was so very sensitive, would not want us to be unhappy or be distressed in any way. She was always so thankful for everything she had and was always giving to us with her words, her gifts and with hugs and with her warmth and joy whenever she saw us.
We will always miss her and remember her. We will be having a bench in her memory where the sun will touch, where we can have dogs with us, where we can see the creek and where she walked her dogs either with Paul or with me.
Once again, thank you to you all. I am trying to send cards of thanks but the process is taking some time! In some cases we have not been able to identify the sender. Please forgive us if you do hear from us but know that we give you silent thanks and appreciation.
Safouh, Hanna, Sara, Hani, Paul and Jaki
Sarah Kaldahl
February 16, 2010
Dear Safouh and Family: I would go in and joke around with Laya. She was always so pleasant. I was in complete and utter shock to find out about her death. My deepest condolences. God Bless you
Sarah Kaldahl
Karen Andrew
February 8, 2010
Safouh and Family: I am very sad to learn of the tragic loss
of your daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen Andrew,
Assistant to Dr White
Georgia Humphries
February 2, 2010
Dear Safouh & Family,
I feel more sadness than I can express for the loss of Laya. She was a ray of sunshine in Point Grey Pharmacy and I looked forward to seeing her each time I went there. I hope you will find the strength to focus on the joyous times with her. I will treasure my personal possessions that she unknowingly chose for me. I was very pleased to see that Point Grey came out to support you in this sad time. I was there but couldn't bring myself to attend your reception with this big lump in my throat. My best wishes for your healing to progress,
Georgia Humphries
January 31, 2010
Dear Safouh and family.
Prayers and heartfelt condolences at this sad time in your lives. Laya will be remembered for her smile, her willingness to always be helpful.
Joya O'Loughlin
January 31, 2010
Dear Safouh, Jaki and family
Our continuing deepest condolences.
With time and with so much love and support from friends and family, you will experience more healing.
Les amd Wendy
Ann Pollock
January 30, 2010
Dear Safouh,
My love to you, your wife, and family. I am so very sorry to learn of your daughter's death.
She was a delight to meet.
Mathew and I send our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Ann
Pat & Dodie Louie
January 30, 2010
Dear Safouh & Jaki - We are so sorry. Please know that we are thinking of you both & your family.
Neal Millbank
January 29, 2010
Dear Safouh ...
I am so very sorry for your loss! Please accept my deepest sympathy. My heart and thoughts are with you and your family.
Ryan Chadwick
January 29, 2010
Dear Jaki, Safouh, Hani, Hanna, and Sara
I was shocked to hear of Leah's passing I was at work and when I saw her name in the paper and I froze. My brother Keith was a friend of Hani's in elementary school and I remember going over to your house a few times. You could tell even then Leah was a special person. My family and I send our condolences.
Jennifer, Larry, Ryan and Keith Chadwick
Chantelle Mae
January 29, 2010
Laya was one of those people that always seemed to glow. Even though she was the most beautiful girl I know, her intelligence, her sense of humor, her confidence, her artistic way of looking at the world, her caring, confident and generous nature was so inspiring and made her one of a kind, a true star. I was always in awe of her, enthralled by her smile, amazed by her. It seems like time is limitless until something like this happens, then there never seems to be time enough. I send my love, wishes and sympathy to Laya's family, Paul, and all her friends. She will be missed, but never forgotten, and like a star never far from our hearts or minds. Everyone who knew her loved her and always will.
brendan polito
January 27, 2010
I found knowing Leah , a pleasure
i remember dreaming for hours reading her comic books, joking and laffin at the silly antics our friends lamented in, you will be missed by many,
to those close you left behind , i wish them peaceful reflection and a positive future ,,love yaa Leah
Jenn Smith
January 27, 2010
Words escape me of how to say goodbye to such a warm and wonderful person. Laya, you will always be remembered and loved by many. I hope you have found peace. My heart goes out to your family in this time of sorrow.
~Jenn
Lisa Andrzejczuk
January 27, 2010
Dear Jaki, Safouh and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear about your daughter, Laya. Although I have never had the pleasure of meeting you in person, you have been clients for many years. I'm hoping that you get some comfort knowing that there are many people thinking of you at this grief filled time.
Lisa and John Andrzejczuk
(Coast Mountain Electric Ltd.)
January 26, 2010
Dearest Paul, Jaki, Safouh, Hanna, Sara and Hani,
Our thoughts are with during this sorrowful time. Laya could not have had a better, more loving family. She was a brave and beautiful girl, full of compassion for others and wisdom beyond her years. Her loss is a tragedy, but her memory is a gift to all who knew her.
All our love, Bea & Paul
January 26, 2010
Dear Jaki, Safouh, Hanna, Sara and Hanni,
I am so sorry to hear of Leah's death. My thoughts are with you all and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday at the service.
Love, Hattie
January 26, 2010
Leya was a beautiful soul. We became friends in Victoria BC. I can't imagine your grief. No parents should have to experience the pain of outliving their child. I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to her family & loved ones, but know that her spirit will never leave your hearts and her beautiful presence will no doubt be with you always. She was a truly unique & beautiful individual who will be dearly missed.
Sabrina.
Eric Cooper
January 25, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Christina Cheply
January 25, 2010
Dear Paul and Family,
Words cannot express how much Laya will be missed. She was an amazing, beautiful and caring person who touched my life deeply. This world will never be as bright as it was with her in it. My heart goes out to you, and my thoughts are with you during this tragic time. Laya will always have a special place in my heart, and she will not be forgotten.
Love, Duckie
January 25, 2010
Dearest Safouh, Jaki, Hanna, Sara and Hani
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter and sister, Laya. No words can be of any comfort at such a tragic time but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our heartfelt condolences.
Sarah Sakaan& Heitham safieddine (London)
January 25, 2010
Safouh, Jaki and family,
My deepest condolences to all of you on this terrible and tragic loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Liz McNally
Jennifer, Larry, Ryan and Keith Chadwick
January 25, 2010
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
January 24, 2010
Dear Safouh and family,
We can hardly imagine the shock and grief you feel by the loss of your warm and generous spirited Laya. You are in our hearts and we send our deepest sympathies.
Carole Christopher & Rick Pollay
January 24, 2010
Safouh and family. We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Angus and Natalie (Vancouver, BC)
Rebecca Schmon
January 24, 2010
Safouh and family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers, and I send my deepest condolences to all of you. Laya was such a wonderful spirit, and I always looked forward to seeing her.
My heartfelt sympathies
January 24, 2010
Dear Jaki, Safouh and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Nancy and Ken Schultz
Ingrid and Kalev Ruberg
January 24, 2010
Dear Jacki and Safouh,
Our thoughts are with you in your time of grief. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Rick
January 24, 2010
I've been going to the pharmacy infrequently since 2001, mostly to do lotto. Today I found out Laya had passed and I was in shock. She was such a kind and genuine person. I will miss her friendliness and free spirit. My sincerest condolences to her family.
Barbara Cummins
January 24, 2010
Dear Jaki, Safouh, Hanna, Sara, Hani and Paul.
My heart goes out to all of you and words can't express how sorry I am about the loss of Leah.
She will always be my little Pianist, full of joy and determination, freely giving Hugs, Kisses and Love in Abundance.
With my deepest sympathy, all my love and my wish to all of you that you may find comfort in memories and stories that defined Leah's beautiful spirit.
Barbara
The Boultbee family
January 23, 2010
What a shock!!!!! We are so very sorry to hear about Laya's passing!!!!! She was always so helpful and kind. She was part of making the community what it is, one of the nicest ones in Vancouver. She will be greatly missed!!!!!
Our deepest condolences to you all. We are thinking of you in these difficult times.
Wishing you lots of strength and love,
Anna & Walter Syler
January 23, 2010
Dear Paul,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful, beloved partner. We are sending our deapest condolences to you and Leah's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Although it's difficult today to see beyound the sorrow, may looking back in memory help you comfort tomorrow
Doug & Pauline Jones
January 23, 2010
Dear Safouh and family,
We are very saddened and deeply shocked to hear of the passing of your lovely daughter , Laya. She was always so bright and cheery and helpful when we came in to your store, she made us feel like family.
Our hearts go out to you in this very difficult time of grief.
Adrian Grootveld
January 23, 2010
my old friend i havent seen her for about 10 years i remember her being a friendly happy and beautiful girl with a little fluffy dog named wookie ill miss you my friend.
Melania Alvarez
January 22, 2010
I have been coming to the pharmacy regularly for the last five years since I arrived to Vancouver. You and your daughter made it a special place with your kindness, care and cheerfulness. Your daughter honored you by showing others the great person she had become through your example. I always had a good laugh with her, she was always willing to listen and most importantly she cared. I can assure you that she will be missed by many. I hope that in this difficult time all of us, who have benefited of your kindness, are able to give you some support. I will pray that you have the strength to go on as you always have, because frankly you and your daughter will always be irreplaceable.
Maria Osuchowski
January 22, 2010
I will always remember Leah as a dear friend, we used to hang out everyday when we were in elementary school at Sperling - we went to camp together and we used to write eachother beautiful poetry filled with hope, sorrow, love, and all the beautiful emotions that filled our youth.
We would hang out at her house by Boundary and we would climb the roof of the storage across and sun tan on the roof. During our classes we would pass notes to each other and make silly jokes.
Those memories I will cherish forever, and Leah will never be forgotten as she is looking from above and smiling her beautiful smile.
jeannie, Norm and Kate
January 22, 2010
Dear Safou
We are so sorry to hear about Laya. It is always so comforting to go to your pharmacy where we are always made to felt like part of the neighbourhood. Laya was part of that. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Cathy Forsyth
January 21, 2010
Safouh, Jaki and Family:
Laya was a wonderful young woman and she will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. It was always a delight to walk into the store and be greeted with Laya’s beautiful smile, warmth and friendliness. Words cannot express the shock and sadness I felt when I heard that Laya was gone. I am sending my heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cathy Forsyth (Schmon)
Risa and Mark Shearer
January 21, 2010
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of sweet Layah. What a beautiful person she was. It doesn't seem real or possible that she has been taken from you this early and our family is so very sorry for your loss. May you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your friends at this time. Layah's passing has touched many, many of us here in Pt Grey.
carly pope
January 21, 2010
To Safou and all those dear,
I'm so very sorry for your loss and am sending you as much energy and love during this time. Laya's warm energy and generous smile will be remembered always. My thoughts are with you truly, deeply, and daily.
Daimien Ravenchild
January 21, 2010
LAYA MAY B GONE BUT SHE WILL NEVER B FORGOTEN
Marlene vanYperen
January 21, 2010
Dear Safou, Jaki and family
How very sorry we feel for your loss of your beautiful daughter, our hearts and thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rob & Marlene van Yperen
Missy and Vic Rollins
January 21, 2010
Dear Safouh and family,
Our deepest symapathy to you and your family in the passing of your beautiful daughter, Laya. Words can not be found to express the incredible sadness that you are going through. Laya was such a joy to talk to and of course was loved by your entire Pt. Grey family of friends.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Sincerely Missy, Vic, Jeff, Craig, and Casey Rollins
January 21, 2010
Dearest Safou and Family,
As you share the stories and the memories of how she lived her life and how very much she meant, may you find comfort throughout this difficult time.
May you also know the deep sympathy and concern that is felt for you and your family…Laya will always be remembered in our hearts…the Village will not be the same without her.
Vikram & Kiran Talwar
January 21, 2010
Dear Hanna, Sara and family,
It was with great sadness that we learned of Laya's passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this sad time.
Love and hold each other close.
There are no words.....
Gary and Deirdre Hetherington
gillan krantz
January 21, 2010
Dear Jaki, Safou and family,
Please accept my deepest compassion for the loss of your lovely Leah. Even though I haven't seen Leah for over twenty years I can see from the photo that she still had her deep dimples and gorgeously soulful eyes. I remember them well from when you so graciously invited Caitlin and I to stay with you and then visit many times in Burnaby.
I have a sweet photo of Leah, Sara and Caitlin playing with playdough at your kitchen table. They were pre-schoolers at the time under Barbara's care.
Your kindness, helpfulness and generosity made such a positive difference in Caitlin's and my lives. It sounds at though Leah also practised those very same virtues.
Leah will be in my prayers as will all of you.
I have just moved back to Vancouver and will attend the memorial on Monday.
With love,
Gillian
Rob
January 21, 2010
Laya will certainly be missed next door. Her bubbley personality and warm smile will be remembered always.
Someone's passing makes one reflect on their own life and how not to take life and your loved ones for granted. I hope the memories of Laya will bring some sunshine back into the lives of her family and friends soon enough.
My heart goes out to those that lost her. Her spirit will touch you again when you least expect it.
xo
Rob @ Pane e Formaggio XO
Jennifer Spoke
January 21, 2010
Laya, you will be sorely missed. Jaki, Safouh, Hannah, Sara. Hani & Paul...I am so very sorry for your loss. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathleen Pope
January 21, 2010
Dear Safouh, Jaki and family,
We read with deep sadness and shock about Laya this morning. Words cannot express how deeply sad we feel. Over the years that myself and my family have been coming to Point Grey Pharmacy we always looked forward to Laya's smiling face and very helpful manner. She was a very special person and will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Kathleen, Dale, Kris, Carly and Alex Pope
Melania I
January 21, 2010
It was always fun to talk to Laya at the Pharmacy. She was always positive and caring. I am going to miss her...
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