Amal T. Shelby

Amal Tabchrani Shelby

November 1, 1939 – January 7, 2026

Amal was one of eleven children—sister to Chafik, Daoud, Joseph, Edmond, Emile, Agnes, Jean (John), Elie, Fawzi, and Ivonne. From day one, she stood by her family, always doing the most for those she loved. Her family was her world, and she devoted herself to each member with limitless generosity. Spoiling her loved ones was not indulgence; it was her language of love, spoken tirelessly and without reservation.

Educated at a French nun school in Kab Elias, Lebanon, Amal began her working life in a clothing factory, sewing garments with the same dedication she would bring to everything she touched. After meeting and marrying Fred in Worcester, Massachusetts, she moved to California and began her banking career, quickly rising through the ranks. Seven years after the birth of her only child, Mantura Marie, Amal lost Fred and took over managing his real estate business—a role she would excel at for the next 40-plus years.

Although she was very proud to be an American citizen since 1975, she never forgot her beloved Lebanon. She raised her daughter with traditional Lebanese values and dedicated her time to fundraising to help underprivileged children in Lebanon access education, becoming a charter member of the Lebanese Ladies Cultural Society. With that dedication, she dove in heart first, as she did with everything she cared about.

Her greatest joy was her only child, Mantura Marie Shelby, the light of her life. Their unbreakable bond kept mother and daughter inseparable. When Mantura married, Amal welcomed her son-in-law, Hussam Madneih, with open arms, delighted by his devotion to her daughter and loving him as a son.

In everything she did, she brought diligence and excellence. Success followed her naturally; she gave her whole heart to each task and role. Her work ethic was impeccable—always on time to every appointment, organized in every aspect, and meticulous to the point of being OCD about cleanliness. Her legendary organizational skills left everyone who worked with her marveling at her punctuality and precision. Yet, it was the love behind every detail that made her truly extraordinary.

Her home was always open to loved ones and friends. She cooked Lebanese food and all ethnic cuisines like a master chef. Everyone loved her cooking, especially her kibbe naye and tabouli. Her friends and family eagerly awaited Mom’s parties so they could feast on the best of Lebanese cuisine. Every moment with her was a learning experience, equally a pleasure and an immense honor.

When her grandchild Tala arrived, a new chapter of joy began. As Teta, she was loving, devoted, and simply the best. In Tala, she found another light and another heart to cherish completely.

Amal had the best sense of humor and the biggest heart. She loved her family, country, and friends to a fault, always helping those who needed it. She had a social contagion that Mantura’s friends couldn’t resist. We will forever miss her big, big heart, her love for us—her family, friends, and country—her famous cooking, her OCD organizational skills, and great sense of humor.

She loved us wholeheartedly—without condition, without measure, without end. Life will never be the same. Yet the love she poured into each of us remains a testament to a life lived in service to those she held dear.

We love you forever and beyond.

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She is survived by her beloved daughter Mantura, her cherished son-in-law Hussam, her adored granddaughter Tala, and her 30 nieces, nephews, and their families. Amal was preceded in death by all her siblings. She passed away peacefully at home in her sleep. Details regarding memorial services and charitable donations will be shared by the family.