With hearts heavy with sorrow, yet with faith and hope in the Resurrection and eternal life, we bid farewell today to the late Souad Shalala Hatem, affectionately known as "Em. Joseph," who passed away at the age of 89, after a life filled with sacrifice, generosity, and faith.
The deceased endured harsh and painful experiences, including the tragedy of displacement from the town of Jiyeh in 1976, which included the burning and destruction of the family villas. Following the displacement, the family was forced to leave Lebanon and relocate to Sydney, Australia, to join her eldest daughter, Yolla, and her family.
A few years later, Souad suffered a devastating blow with the loss of her beloved husband, the late John Wadih Hatem, in a tragic car accident while on his way to work in 1989. At the time, she was still in the prime of her life, in her forties.
Despite the tragedy and the weight of responsibility, "Em Joseph" stood with courage and resilience, shouldering the burdens of the family and the challenges of life alone. She made great sacrifices for her children and surrounded her late mother-in-law, Mariam Hatem, with care and attention.
The deceased dedicated her life to her home and family, preferring to stay close to her children, grandchildren, siblings, and relatives, avoiding visits and leisure trips, to the point that her appearances at social events became rare. Her home was her world, and her family was the center of her life, the source of her joy and attention.
She raised five children: three daughters, Yolla, Hoda, and Marie, and two sons, Joseph and Charbel, instilling in them the values of love, integrity, and respect for others. She also showered her grandchildren with affection and care, guiding them towards good conduct and noble character, so that they all resided in her kind and compassionate heart. Just as she devoted her life to caring for her children and grandchildren and sacrificing for them, they, in turn, surrounded her with love, care and devotion when she needed them, sons and daughters.
Her love wasn't limited to her family; she was a loving person to everyone she knew, and beloved by all, earning their respect and appreciation. She was known for her kind words and warm presence, and never said anything to offend anyone. A devout woman, she spent her days and nights in prayer, her rosary never far from her hands, drawing strength, patience, and hope from her faith.
Just as she cared for her family and home, she always maintained her elegance, fitness, and the cleanliness of her house, preparing the food with love and care. These details reflected her refined character, exquisite taste, and constant concern for the comfort of those around her.
Today, the late Souad Shalala Hatem rests beside her late husband, John Hatem, her father, Khalil Shalala, her loving mother, Nelly Shalala, and her brothers, Nazih and Nabih Shalala.
Today, with heavy hearts and tears streaming down our faces, we bid farewell to "Em Joseph," knowing that her passing is a great loss to her children Yolla Azzi, Joseph Hatem, Hoda Azzi, Marie Boustani, and Charbel Hatem, her brothers Wajih and Camil Shalala, her sister Siham Shalala Kazzi and her family, all her grandchildren, relatives, and everyone who knew and loved her.
But our solace lies in the fact that she has passed on to her Lord, to join the righteous and the saints in the Kingdom of Heaven. Her human and spiritual legacy will remain a living testament in the hearts of her family and grandchildren, and her memory will forever be present in our consciences, thoughts, and eyes, accompanying us wherever we go.
May God have mercy on the departed Souad Shalala Hatem, "Em Joseph," and grant her eternal rest in His heavenly paradise, and bestow upon her family and loved ones the grace of patience and comfort. Our deepest condolences go to her children, who never left her side, not even for a moment, until her deathbed.
Christ is risen... He is risen indeed.