Leila Rukab Essa

Leila Rukab Essa, 65, of Houston, passed away on Tuesday, August 28, 2012, after a brave battle with illness.The daughter of Mary and Jalil Rukab, she was born Christmas Day 1946 in Jerusalem. Leila worked for Wal-Mart for over 15 years in the fabric and craft sales and considered many of her co-workers as family. Leila was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew and loved her. Affectionately known as Siti to her grandchildren, she will be remembered for her loving nature and remarkable sense of humor. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sisterAlice Rukab, and her husband Fred Essa. Leila is survived by sons, Mike Essa, Eddie Essa and wife Mariamne, Alex Essa and wife Lynne, Dan Essa and wife Julie, Charles Essa and wife Lisa; daughters, Salwa Valles, Leila Normand, Aleta Essa and husband Mike; grandchildren, Isaac Valles, Emily Essa, Adam Essa, Elena Essa, Elise Essa, Matthew Normand, Melissa Benevent and husband Rick, Jessica Fryer and husband Mike, Alexis Essa, Ryan Essa, Michael Essa and wife Georgina, Anthony Essa and wife Heather; great-grandchildren, Beatrice Benevent, Sophia Benevent, Julianna Essa; a brother, Yacoub Rukab and wife Therese; sisters, Lorice Shaer, Georgette Dudum, Odette Khbeis and husband Farah, Suad Khoury and husband Hanna, Diana Rukab, sister-in-law, Yasmin Zabak and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m., with a rosary at 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 31, 2012 in the Chapel of Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Freeway, Houston, Texas. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 1, 2012 in the Chapel of Earthman Resthaven with burial following at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery.