Hikmat Rose Samaha

1939 - 2025

Hikmat Rose Samaha of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, surrounded by family.

Hikmat was born on March 3, 1939, in Beirut, Lebanon, to Habib and Adele Assi Samaha. Hikmat was one of seven children. She is predeceased by her parents and her sisters Hayat, Najat and Dolly as well as by her husband, Khalil who died in the spring of 1975.

Hikmat is survived by her brothers Alex and Fadi and by her sister Hind.

She received her education in Lebanon and worked there. Her professional experience included a job in the fashion industry for Chantal Haute Couture. In 1972, she married Khalil Samaha. Khalil was already working in the United States and was an American citizen. The couple's baby girl, Joanne, was born in Lebanon in May 1974. Khalil passed away with complications from open heart surgery. With the situation dangerous in Lebanon due to the Civil War there, Hikmat returned to Memphis with her daughter and built a life here for them.

Hikmat was beautiful from the inside out. She was a dear friend to so many and began her community involvement from her early days here. Her career included employment with Holiday Inn Innkeeper's Supply Company, with the University of Memphis in roles working as the Coordinator for the Director of the International Studies Program on projects including the Saudi Customs Program and Japanese Student Program in addition to other projects. She also worked as the Coordinator for the Director of The Counseling Center at The University of Memphis. Hikmat worked for Monsignor Val Handwerker for a time. She also continuously interpreted in Arabic and French and translated documents.

Hikmat leaves her daughter, Joanne, son-in-law Bob Maichrowicz and grandson Joseph. She leaves Dr. Joseph K. Samaha, daughter-in-law Ruthie and children Joseph, Anne and Camille and their children. She leaves Camille Sam Samaha of Davidson, NC. Hikmat leaves her siblings Alex, Fadi, Hind, many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

A visitation will be held at Saint Louis Catholic Church at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, September 26, followed by her funeral at 10:00 a.m. The burial will be at Calvary Cemetery with a reception after at the Clunan Center at Saint Louis Catholic Church.

Charities may be made in Hikmat's honor to Saint Louis Catholic Church and to Christian Brothers High School.