Shrewsbury - Laurice (Ghannam) Haddad passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2012, at home. Laurice was born in Alexandria, Egypt. She was the daughter of Jamal (Abdo) and Joseph S. Ghannam. Her infant son and her sister, Marcelle Barsa of Damascus, Syria, predeceased her. Laurice dedicated herself to raising her family. She was a proud "Sitou" to her grandchildren Nicole and Anthony Vélez and great-grandson Christian Edward Vélez. In 1947, she left Egypt to visit her uncles and cousins in Worcester and California. Upon returning to Worcester, she met her husband Charles to whom she was married 47 years until his death in 1996.
Laurice was a skilled cook. Her Lebanese meals and delicate pastries delighted her family and friends. She loved to sew, make clothes, embroider, knit, and needlepoint. She was fluent in four languages. She enjoyed reading novels and mysteries. When she lost the use of her hands, she would read with a book on her lap, her companion cat, Jolie, resting on her blanketed legs. In spite of all her debilitations, Laurice maintained her beautiful smile and always strove to overcome the challenges she faced. She would blame none of it on age. Her strong will, patience, grace, and faith in God inspired all who knew and loved her. She was a friend to all, a great listener whose wisdom was highly respected.
She leaves behind her sons, Robert of Atlanta, Christopher of Worcester, and Roger with whom she lived, who tirelessly and selflessly provided protection and care-giving to his mother during her last ten years; her daughter, Marie-Thérèse;grandchildren, Nicole and Anthony Vélez; and great-grandson, Christian Edward Vélez. She also leaves her goddaughter, Liliane Barsa of Beirut, Lebanon; nephews, Antoine, Joseph and Farid Barsa; nieces, Gisele, Bouchra, and Lana Barsa of Damascus, Syria. In New England, she leaves nieces Lois, Carol, Linda, Brenda; nephew "Chickie" and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
The family would like to express their love and gratitude to Father Ephraim Peters for his devotion, friendship, spiritual support, and guidance over the years. The family is also grateful to Amy Mwanji who lovingly worked with Laurice for the last two years and considered her to be her "Lebanese" mom.
Calling hours are at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester, 5-7 pm Sunday, July 22. The wake will be at the Cathedral from 9-9:45 am followed by the funeral at 10:00 am on Monday, July 23. Burial will be at Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Laurice may be made to St. George Orthodox Cathedral's Endowment Fund. Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester is directing arrangements. To leave a message in the online guestbook, please click link below.