Adele Helen Abraham

Adele Helen Kaleel Abraham, age 95, fell asleep peacefully in the Lord at her home on Thursday May 19, 2016. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Abe, her parents Nicholas and Shafica Kaleel, sisters Mabel and Regina Kanag (George), brothers Naseeb (Elsie), Ernest (Laurece), and George, brothers-in-law Wade Abraham (Margaret), James Abraham (Georgette) and Dr. Thomas Bander.  Adele is survived by her four loving children Alan (Debbie), Cheryl (Sam) Barkett, Carol (Peter) Assaly, Kaye (Mike) Powell, ten very special grand-children Kristen (Fadi) Baradihi, Philip (Mindy) Abraham, Jeffrey (Nicole) Abraham, Brittany Abraham, Lauren Barkett, David (Kate) Barkett, Allison Assaly, Meredith Assaly, Melissa Powell and Rick Powell, nine great-grandchildren who she cherished Maya, Natalie, Alexa, Lea, Allie, Elise, Mark, Rita and Sammy, brother Thomas (Eva) Kaleel, sister-in-law Dolores Bander and many godchildren, nieces and nephews.

Adele was born in Spring Valley, Illinois on February 23, 1921. She graduated from Hall High School. Adele proudly worked for Westclox, a company that during World War II converted from making clocks to grenades to support the war effort. In 1947, Adele married the love of her life, Abe and moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Adele embraced her role as a wife and mother; she loved being involved in her children’s school activities. She served as a Girl Scout troop leader and as PTA President.

Adele was a devout Orthodox Christian and served her church with a deep passion and humility. She was a master organizer having carried out dozens of Middle Eastern dinners for the community. Adele held many leadership roles including Sunday School teacher and superintendent and St. Nicholas Ladies Guild President. She also served as treasurer of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America.  Adele was a life member of the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, the philanthropic organization of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America. She rarely missed a service and worked tirelessly to support her church.

 Adele’s elegant style, effortless grace and generous heart will never be forgotten.  A self taught cook and baker, her knowledge and skill of Lebanese cuisine and pastries are unmatched. She enjoyed sharing her love of baking with her family and friends.

 The family would like to thank the caregivers from Porter Hills for their exceptional care of Adele especially, Cynthia, Julie, Mary, Sally L, Sally M, Tara, Terri and Tish and Hospice of Michigan.

Visitation for Adele will take place on Sunday May 22nd from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm with a Trisagion Prayer Service held at 7pm. Her funeral will take place on Monday May 23rd at 11:00am with visitation from 10:00-10:45am. Both visitation and funeral will be at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2250 East Paris Ave, Grand Rapids, MI. A meal of mercy will be held at the Cultural Center of St. Nicholas following the funeral service. His Grace Bishop Anthony will officiate the funeral service assisted by V. Rev. Michael Nasser, V. Reverend Daniel Daly and V. Reverend Elias Mitchell. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be offered to St. Nicholas Church. 

 Service Information