Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, in the care of the Ottawa Hospital, on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at the age of 68. Loving wife to Nicolas Hanna Laham, and cherished mother to Mark, Christine (Chris Carkner), and Nadim (Tracey Crane-Laham). Treasured grandmother of 4 beautiful grandchildren Ava, Kaden, Ty and Niko.
Predeceased by her parents Nicolas and Adele. Dear sister of Nasri (Agatha), Ghassan (Cheryl), Vera (Late Elias Laham), Edouard (Marie), Maha, Elias (Helen), Samira (Edmond Haddad), and Hiam (Victor Abou Chedid).
She will be dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and extended family and friends throughout Canada, Lebanon and around the globe.
Born in Rashaya, Lebanon a smart, determined, strong person, she worked hard to obtain scholarships, put herself through school, and support her family. She immigrated to Canada in 1974 but never forgot where she came from, her precious home country.
In Canada, she worked tirelessly alongside her husband in several businesses, helped siblings immigrate to Canada, and opened her home and heart to countless loved ones.
Ibtissam was truly one of the best. A caring, genuine and intelligent woman who loved to talk history or debate politics. Her grandchildren were her world and cooking for them gave her more joy than one could imagine. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing her knew the warmth of her heart.
Gone far too soon, but forever in our hearts. She touched so many lives in so many ways. Thank you for being such a beautiful soul, an amazing wife, mom, grandma, sister and friend. We will miss you terribly but are comforted knowing that you are resting peacefully. We love you forever.
Family and friends are invited to visit at the Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, on Monday, September 27 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Elias Cathedral, 2975 Riverside Drive on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Showing at 10:00 AM, service at 11:00 AM followed by a burial at Beechwood Cemetery at 12:30 PM. The service at St. Elias will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. You can find the link on the church’s Facebook page here.
Covid protocols will be observed, facemasks are mandatory and limited capacity at venues.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations in Ibtissam’s honour to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Lebanese Red Cross
Digital Guestbook
Ginny Over
Joanne Ayoub
My deepest sympathies to the Laham family on the loss of your amazing mom. Ibtissam will be missed by so many and she will never be forgotten, may her soul rest in peace.
Nissrine Boufawaz
My deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies go out to the entire family. Her beautiful smile and her warm and welcoming demeanor will never be forgotten. I am deeply sorry for your loss and my toughts are with you all.
Anne, Craig and Jane Szelestowski
The three of us are thinking of you all right now. We were privileged to get to know your Mom Coco. She was a wonderful, caring and welcoming person - even though we didn't see her often, she always greeted us with a big smile and sparkle in her eye. Our hearts go out to you.
Joe and Anne Saab
She truly left a legacy. She was loved by all who knew her.
May her memory be eternal. Our deepest condolences to the family.
Carlotta Gates
Chris and Family
My heart felt sympathy
Darlene Mahoney
So terribly sorry for the loss of this beautiful woman. She was the embodiment of kindness. Her smile was always sincere. I am honoured to have known you, even if for a short time.
Phill & Irene Cote
Our sincerest condolences to your family. A truly beautiful person, she will be dearly missed. With love, the Cote family
Barbara Salhany
My deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of Ibtissam. I knew her from a little girl and family visits to Ottawa when Auntie Cheryl and Uncle Ghassan lived there So sweet and kind. A wonderful woman. May she Rest In Peace
Joe & Jane
Her gentle soul will always be in our hearts, Rest In peace Ibtissam
My deepest sympathies and condolences to all the family❤