Submit a PhotoSamira Farraj Kassisieh, a beautiful sister, a wonderful wife, a loving mother, and an amazing grandmother, passed away on December 25, 2021, at the age of 85.
Samira was born on February 17, 1936, in Jericho, Palestine, to Elias Farraj and Shafika Abutaseh. She was the middle child and the only daughter. She was loved by everyone and had the best of everything growing up; her clothes, hairstyles, and looks. She attended the Catholic school in Jericho and later took sewing classes and became a talented seamstress.
Samira married Albert Kassisieh in December 1966 in Amman, Jordan and had both her sons, Sulieman (AKA Su Su or Seuss) and Samer there. In 1969 they moved to Iowa in where her brother Hanna Farraj and his wife Myrna and family lived. Living in a foreign country was not easy for her, but she was determined to succeed. She started working initially as a seamstress, then moved into a retail sales position. As a salesperson she was recognized often as a top producer for Younkers and Dillards and won several awards.
Everyone who met Samira loved her due to her lovingkindness. Her smile was contagious and always brought joy to those in her presence. She was also a distinguished cook. Her specialties included: stuffed grape leaves, makloubeh, sfeiha, kibbe, mansaf, and musakhan. She would love to personally serve food to the loved ones at her dinner table, as it gave her great joy to do so.
In 1993, Samira and Albert moved to Gilbert, Arizona to retire and be closer to their sons and their families. The grandchildren and lately a great-grandchild, Judah, added so much joy to Samira’s life.
Samira is survived by her husband, Albert, her brother, Hanna Farraj , and her sons, Seuss (Adeline), and Samer (Rula), and her grandchildren; Amani, Amber, Albert, Joseph, and Nicholas. She was preceded in death by her brother Dr. Samir Farraj, and her parents.
She is remembered by those who knew her as beautiful and kind, stylish and elegant, classy but down to earth and friendly. She will be dearly missed by all of us. Her legacy will never be forgotten and may her memory be eternal.
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Our deepest condolences to you all. She will be greatly missed. May her memory be eternal! Amen
My aunt was dear to me and I have great memories of her in Amman, Jordan and when I was working at Scottsdale, AZ. when she felt obliged to cook me a Jordanian meal every time I visited her. I posted on Facebook about her death and since then I got over 840 messages of condolences! Many were friends of mine and family members but there were hundreds who I did not even know but they knew my aunt and were saddened by her death. I guess she was dear to many more and memories of her will live on.
My deep condolences and sympathy to Albert, Suleiman (Seus), Samer and all the family
Samira was a lovely lady , may the Lord rest her soul in peace and may her memory be eternal
Lilian Halaby Kassicieh tatalilian2@gmail.com
Lilian Halaby Kassicieh tatalilian2@gmail.com
Dear family & friends of Samira , our sincere condolences to all . In reading the life of Samira we admire the various talents she held dear . Most important was her devotion to family & friends . Her engagement in life is an example for those she leaves behind —her capacity to love life & family is much admired. Blessed be Samira’s life —may you be comforted by her memory .
She was one of a kind.she was my friend till she left to Arizona.may God have mercy on her soul.
Sam , Albert and SuSu
I was so sad and shocked when I read this just now . She was a very very nice lady. She loved her family so much . Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending sincere condolences to you and your family.
Love ya Sam
Spike & Sam Gavin
Iowacity, Iowa
Our sympathies are shared in the loss of our beloved Samira. The memory of your Mother/my cousin Samira will give you comfort, and her legacy live through you. She always had a smile and kind words and a joy to know. I’m sure Heaven has added an Angel; your Mom was such a kind person. may our prayers guide Samira’s soul to our Heavenly Father. God bless you and your family and watch over you during this most difficult time.
Albert, Susu and Samer, I’m so sorry for your loss. Samira, I have shed many tears for you as I type this. I was one of the lucky people to sit at your table, share conversation and eat your great food ( homemade Pitas toasted with Peanut butter) . I knew I could always have you help me with picking out stylish clothing from Younkers for High school Homecomings or other special events. You always welcomed me in your home like a son. I know there are not enough words to make this any easier for your family, but I am thinking of you all.
SuSu and the Kassiseh family,
Su Su, your mother was one of the nicest people I ever met…..also beautiful. We were so sorry when we heard from Eric of her loss. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family. She had so much love in her heart for all of you. What wonderful memories you have to cherish. I feel blessed to have known her.
Jerry and Marilyn Atkins