Obituary of Amineh Faris

Amineh Sakran Faris passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, September 27th, 2020, at the age of 97. She was the beloved mother of Habib, Abla, Hassib, Nassib, Aida and Labib. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Amineh was born on January 13th, 1923 in Nazareth, Palestine. Growing up in the Holy small town of Nazareth in the 20s and 30s of last century was a unique experience. For Amineh, filling the urns with water from Mary's Well, or attending the mass at the Orthodox Church of Annunciation (Kanisat Al Bishara) was her thrill. Her father, Youssef, served the mass every Sunday.

Amineh attended the Franciscan School and learned most of the prayers in Italian and, up to her departure, she would proudly recite them. She would also recite the Italian National Anthem under Benito Mussolini in the 1930s. Her passion was becoming a seamstress and she ultimately became a first class one at the age of eleven and at fifteen, she had her own school and workshop known within Nazareth and neighboring towns. Some accomplishment for a small girl from a small town!

In 1945, she met Faris Habib Faris, a businessman from Acre who recently moved to Nazareth owning and operating a movie theater, and they married. At that time in 1948, struggle between Arabs and Jews forced the small family to flee the conflict (thinking temporarily like everyone else) with their two eldest children. From that time on, Amineh's dream was to return to Nazareth and never stopped reminiscing about her childhood and her love to the family. She was the kindest mother and toughest woman. Throughout the years, her happiness stemmed from the joy she cherished with her children and their families. Everyone, young and old, loved her as she gives more, much more, that she takes. When she speaks about Mary, the Virgin Mother, it is as if she knows her personally: They talk to each other like friends and Amineh knows that in the end Mary will be waiting and welcoming her with open arms in Heavens.

To our really amazing mother Amineh, we say with gratitude and humility, on our knees: Mom, nothing is more powerful than your love to us and our love to you. From all of us, Mama and Teta: "Rest in Peace. We shall love you forever"..