Julia El Houssan

Julia (Azar) El Houssan, 85, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Julia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother affectionately called “Teta.”

Julia was born in Bshamoun, Lebanon, a daughter of the late Asaad and Laya Azar. Julia worked as a seamstress and tailor in Lebanon for many years designing amazing dresses bringing her talents to America and while in Worcester, she was a cook for George’s Bakery. Julia was a member of St. George’s Orthodox Cathedral and the churches Antiochian Women.

Julia’s husband of 39 years, Andraos “Andre” El Houssan passed away in 2002. She is survived by two sons, George El Houssan and his wife Christine of Sutton with whom she lived with and Marc El Houssan and his wife Mirna of Worcester; a daughter, Pascale Rizk and her husband Rene of Worcester; a brother, Nicholas Azar of Lebanon; a sister, Ponse Haddad and her husband Milad of Toronto, Canada; eight grandchildren, Andre El Houssan and his wife Elizabeth, Julianna El Houssan, Romanda El Houssan and her husband Abdelnour Bakkal, Pascale Zayas and her husband Dameon, Tania El Houssan, Shantal Rizk, Elias Rizk and Charles Rizk; a great grandchild, Reyna Zayas; several nieces,nephews, extended family and friends. She is predeceased by a brother, George Azar and four sisters, Violet Azar, Matilda Kamar, Helen Azar and Mona Azar.

Julia’s family would like to thank all the nurses and the doctors at UMass Memorial Hospital for taking care of their mom and helping her during her time of need, as well as Father Milad and Father Serafim for all they’ve done visiting my mom at the hospital.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 5-8 pm and again on Wednesday, October 8th from 10-10:45 am with her funeral service to begin at 11:00 am. Burial will follow her funeral service at Hope Cemetery, Worcester. MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to: St. George’s Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester and St. George’s in Aita al Foukhar Bekaa Valley.