KALIMA GHAZOUL

Kalima Maroon Ghazoul, the beloved matriarch of the Ghazoul family, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026.

Born on June 25, 1927, to Bashour and Mariam, Kalima was one of seven children: Sister Mary Claude, the late Joseph Koussa, Salwa Kashouh, Hanna Koussa, Jabra Koussa, and Nadia Shadeh.

Kalima was raised in Wadi El Majawer, Syria, and later immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1954 alongside her beloved husband, the late Tannous “Tony” Ghazoul. Together, they embodied the American dream, building a life and raising a family rooted in love, laughter, generosity, education, and their Maronite Catholic faith.

Kalima is survived by her five children: Marwan Ghazoul, M.D. (Rana Ghazoul); Catherine Nemeh (Issam Nemeh, M.D.); John Ghazoul, J.D. (Teresa Ghazoul, M.D.); Deborah Ghazoul-Mills, M.D. (John Mills); and Judy Ghazoul Hilow (Henry Hilow, J.D.).

She was a devoted grandmother, lovingly known as “Tata” to eighteen grandchildren, and a proud great-grandmother to five. Kalima will be remembered for her quick wit, humor, timeless style, exceptional cooking, strength, and her deeply welcoming spirit. She faced life’s challenges with resilience and grace.

Family and friends will be received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 Pearl Rd. (at Snow Rd.), on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 3:00–7:00 p.m., with Prayers of Incense at 6:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Maron Church, 1245 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by entombment at Holy Cross Mausoleum.

The family suggests contributions in her memory to St. Maron Church Building Fund, 7800 Brookside Rd., Independence, OH 44131, or Malachi House, 2810 Clinton Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113.