Jacqueline Attard

1937 - 2021

Jacqueline Attard

OLEAN - Jackie, beloved wife, mother and Teta, passed away on Friday (Nov. 26, 2021).

She was born in Bzebdine, Lebanon, on February 13, 1937, the daughter of Naja and Rosa Obeid Tannous. On May 30, 1964, she married Renato Attard, in Khartoum, Sudan.

Jackie lived an extraordinary life. She left her small village at a very young age to live in Beirut, where she mastered the art of Lebanese cuisine.

She earned the opportunity to prepare food for foreign dignitaries at the American Embassy. It was there that she met her very dear friends, Orpha and Robert Lippolt ,who became like family to her. Upon their reassignment, the Lippolts invited Jackie to go with them to Khartoum, Sudan.

While in Africa, she met new friends from all over the world and made many cherished memories. Most importantly, that is where she met Renato.

On Sept. 10, 1965, they immigrated to the United States to join Jackie's sister, Laura Simon in Olean. In 1972, she proudly became a U.S. citizen.

While raising three very young children, Jackie started her own successful business, baking pita bread and baklava at home, and selling it at local grocery stores.

Then in 1975, she and Renato opened Attard's Fine Foods, which later became Attard's Restaurant. For nearly 40 years, she delighted the Olean area with her culinary expertise.

It brought Jackie tremendous joy to meet new people and share her culture through her unforgettable dishes. Her life was enriched by the friendships and connections she made over the years at the restaurant.

In her free time, Jackie enjoyed cooking, gardening, going to the casino and watching sports. She loved cheering on her favorite players and was thrilled to catch a glimpse of her grandson on TV at the Bonnies' games. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who meant the world to her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Renato; her three children, Claudia (Joseph) Keary, who were her devoted caretakers in her final years; Anita (John) Dwaileebe and Al (Lisa Cheney) Attard; her three grandchildren, Colden, Jack and Emma Dwaileebe; a sister, Laura Simon, and her three children, Simone Farah, Joseph Simon and Andre Simon, who were like her own children; her sister, Jeanne D'Arc Dahdouh; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews all over the world.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Elias Tannous and George Youssef; and her niece, Janine Youssef.

Due to the prevalence of COVID-19, a celebration of Jackie's life will be held at a future date to be announced.

Memorial contributions in Jackie's honor can be made to St. Joseph's Maronite Catholic Church, 1102 Walnut St., Olean, NY 14760 or to Olean General Hospital Foundation 515 Main St., Olean, NY 14760.

Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.