Florence Joan Khattar
Born In: Alguilar Colorado
Born: March 6th, 1918
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: January 26th, 2016
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Florence Joan Khattar, 97, widow of the late Simon J Khattar, Q.C. (1995), on Jan. 26, 2016, after a long, full life.
Born in Aguilar, Colorado on March 6, 1918, she was the youngest child of Jacob and Mathilda Solomon.
She attended Burdett Secretarial College in Boston, and returned to Walsenburg, Colorado to work at the Huerfano County Offices.
Flo and Si married on Sept. 7, 1941 in Colorado, then motored from Walsenburg to Sydney. After travelling the long road to Nova Scotia, 'The Duchess' as Simon affectionately called her, made Sydney her home and quickly made lifelong friends.
Friends and relatives later described their impressions of her as joyful, spirited and vivacious. Florence brightened a room with her sunny disposition and had a unique gift of making people feel special. An ever welcoming home was her joy, where she prepared and served wonderful food. The Duchess' generosity and hospitality made her happy home a magnet for family and friends, where she loved to host parties highlighted by her Lebanese cooking and baking. Mom was full of life and energy and had many interests over her 97 years. She sparkled in social gatherings. She loved playing bridge and tarabish, enjoyed needlepoint, paper tole, gardening and took great interest in decorating her home. She loved to sing and dance and enjoyed live theatre.
At the bungalow, ‘The 6Ks’, Florence hosted many summer dinners with extended family where there was an abundance of food and good times. She also loved to travel and adventured to the UK, Europe, Lebanon, South America, as well as family visits to the US. She especially loved her family visits to Piscataway, NJ, and the winter vacations to Florida. In 1942, Florence became a member of St. Theresa’s parish and served on its parish council. She served as president of the Catholic Women’s League, on all levels from the Parish CWL, Diocesan and the Nova Scotia Provincial. In 2012, she received her 50-year pin. She also served as president of the St Rita's Hospital Auxiliary and the Lebanese Ladies Benevolent Society.
She is survived by her children George (Carol), Ottawa; Barbara (Hank Allen), New Jersey; Anita (John MacDougall) and Stephanie (Paul Coolen); both of Halifax; grandchildren Natasha (Richard), Craig (Victoria), Dr. Adrienne (Matthew), Allison, Amanda, Michelle and Claire; and great-grandchildren Jacob and Mathieu, Simon and Alexander, Caleb and Silas, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Simon, sisters, Margaret (Richard) Mackaron, Adelle (Stephen) Fayad, Marie (Sam) Maloof, Emily (George) Dunich and brothers, Joseph (Susan) and Thomas (Martha).
Visitation will take place at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, at St Theresa’s Church, Fr. Francis Abbass officiating.
Donations in Florence’s memory may be made to The Cape Breton Regional
Hospital Foundation or charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.
