Mary Abdallah

Mary Ata Abdallah, 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Houston, Texas on September 24, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. Born on March 18, 1934, in Lebanon, Mary led a life defined by love, faith, and service to others.

On October 14, 1956, she married the love of her life, Elias Abdallah, in Lebanon. Together, they shared 46 wonderful years before Elias’ passing in December 2002. In November 1968, Mary and Elias immigrated to the United States, first settling in Ohio, then in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before finally making their home in Houston, Texas. It was in Houston that they fulfilled their dream of opening a Lebanese bakery, where Mary’s passion for feeding others came to life. 

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who split her time between caring for her family, working at the bakery, and serving her church community. Her unwavering faith, especially her devotion to the Virgin Mary and the Divine Mercy, shaped every aspect of her life. A pillar of strength and grace, she was known for her radiant smile, her warm sense of humor, and her love for singing, which she carried with her even during her battle with dementia.

Mary’s life was rooted in service. One of the founding members of Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Catholic Church in Houston and the Daughters of Mary, she volunteered tirelessly, whether cooking for church events, sewing choir robes and dabke costumes, or working the sajj during the annual Village Night. Her kindness and creativity touched many, as did the beautiful bows and rosaries she lovingly crafted for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She is survived by her five children - Noelle Rouhana, her husband Joseph, Ikbal Chalhoub, her husband Abdo, Wally Abdallah, his wife Danene, Moses Abdallah, his wife Camille, and Theresa Abdallah, as well as her eight grandchildren, Jacqueline Chalhoub, Elie Chalhoub, Christina Bersing, Elias Abdallah, Lauren Rouhana Rassi, Tiffany Nassif, Paul Abdallah, and Kathy Abdallah Atkinson, and eleven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings, brothers Ibrahim and Yousef, and her sister Rosette. She was preceded in death by her husband Elias, her sister Azize, and her brother Ata.

Mary will be remembered as a selfless matriarch who embodied joy, positivity, and boundless faith. She radiated light to everyone she encountered, and her legacy of love and service will live on through her family and community.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Catholic Church in Houston, Texas. A viewing will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by the Rosary at 6:30 PM, and the Funeral Mass at 7:00 PM. A Mercy Meal will be served at Cedar Hall following the service.

Mary will be laid to rest on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Catholic Church in her memory.

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