Lillie Mae Khalil

Lillie Mae Khalil was born at home in Cleveland, Ohio on May 7, 1938 to Anis and Sadie Shakour. She passed away suddenly and peacefully in her Livonia, Michigan home on March 25, 2020 at the age of 81.

Lillie was the beloved wife of Samier Khalil for 58 years. Loving mother of The Honorable Karen Khalil Bouzas (Kevin), Kathleen (John) Hiatt, David (Lori), and Steven (Paulina). Dear Sittoo (grandmother) of Bianca, Zachary, Rachel, Grace, Alexander, Preston, Francesco, Mario, Aviana, Gino and Anthony. Adored Sister of James (Karen) Shakour. She was the devoted best friend for 50 years to Ann Kennedy, eternally grateful to Rick and Andrea Holme for their gift of life to her precious son, and also cherished friend, cousin, and “Aunt Lillie” to so many who knew her.

Lillie was devoted to her Orthodox Christian faith from a young age, living in the shadow of St. George Orthodox Church on West 14th Street in Cleveland, Ohio, singing in their choir, participating in teen SOYO, meeting Samier at an Archdiocese Convention in Detroit, and then raising her children in the church. Lillie and Samier felt great pride to be among those who were the original founding members of the Basilica of St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Livonia, Michigan. She especially enjoyed their early days in Livonia, helping Father George and other dear friends to establish the new parish, being active in the Ladies Society and the Couples Club. The church has since celebrated its 48th anniversary as a parish and Lillie was very proud of her church and loved being there with her friends and extended church family, greeting everyone with warmth and love.

Lillie was a strong, supportive and very devoted mother. She was involved in her children’s educational lives and had very high expectations for them. Lillie was very involved in their school activities through Bulman’s "Mother's Club" and the Redford Union High School “Band Boosters” and the “Lunch Bunch.” She made lifelong friends during these times and she treasured these special relationships. She was described as being "proud to be a part of every single thing" in the lives of her family members and always with an unmistakable smile that brightened the room.

As the daughter of immigrant parents, Lillie was extremely patriotic and devoted to her beloved country, the United States of America. Growing up during World War II and knowing the sacrifices made by many, including older cousins who served, made her especially conscious of the privilege of being an American. She enthusiastically sang the National Anthem at all events, and in all parts of her life her love of country was apparent.

Lillie loved Florida and especially enjoyed her times with family and friends in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Shores on Singer Island. Those treasured days walking to the inlet and to the ocean were among her favorite times. She was always singing and loved all different types of music. She shared the love and appreciation for music with her children and grandchildren. As a Mom and Sittoo, she used to sing “You are My Sunshine” to all the children. She loved to dance and was known to dedicate Stevie Wonder’s “You are the Sunshine of My Life” to her children.

Lillie eventually let go of her Ohio roots and became a University of Michigan football fan and often shared treasured memories of attending games. She was especially excited about a spectacular trip to Pasadena in January, 1998 with Samier where they attended the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl game where they enjoyed Michigan’s victory!

Lillie loved her time working at the family business formerly known as "The Designated Hatter" down by the old Tiger Stadium, where she was engaged with so many vendors and customers. She had so many fond memories of working together as a family, and especially the excitement surrounding the 1984 World Series Champion Detroit Tigers. She loved the game of baseball and would often reminisce about how her father, Anis would take her to see the Cleveland Indians as a little girl.

With all she did, Lillie’s passion was clearly her family. She simply loved being a Wife, Mother, and Sittoo. She was a wonderful homemaker and an outstanding cook who treasured gatherings for family dinners and holidays. She also had a special knack for “retail therapy!” She was always a bright and happy person who added joy to the lives of all who knew her.

Lillie’s presence in our lives will be felt forever and she will be deeply missed, but she would want us to focus on our happy times together and to be strong. There was a brightness about our beloved Lillie--Wife, Mom, Sittoo, Sister, Friend, Cousin, and Aunt that she wanted us to carry in our hearts forever. May her memory be eternal.

There was a private funeral for Lillie upon her death. There will be a public memorial service held at The Basilica of St. Mary in Livonia at a later date. This website will be updated when the service date is confirmed.

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