Noha "Maha" Bannout

Noha "Maha" Bannout, 88, of Pleasant Hill, California, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025. Born on March 21, 1937, in Hama, Syria, to Mary and Shukri Awad, Maha was a radiant spirit whose warmth, kindness, and compassion touched all who knew her.

Maha was one of five children and grew up in a close-knit, loving family. She met her beloved husband, Manah, in Syria, and together they built a beautiful life that brought them to the U.S. A chemist by training, Maha worked as a researcher at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, before pivoting to become a devoted and inspiring teacher after the family moved to Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Her students and friends adored her loving and caring spirit, endless energy, and fun nature. She was profoundly selfless and relished making others happy. Maha was an incredibly gifted cook, a passionate gardener, and a world traveler. Above all, she cherished her family, especially her grandchildren, who were her greatest joy.

Maha was preceded in death by her husband, Manah, and is survived by her children, Mike (Erin) and Mary, her grandchildren, Emma, Sophie, and Cole, her sister Nadia, and brother Sameer.

Her spirit, grace, and compassion influenced everyone around her. We are better people because of her. She was a true Angel while on earth, and now her love and light will continue to shine on us from above.