Madeleine Kerbage

Madeleine Kerbage (née Tohme) went to peace with the Lord and the Virgin Mary on November 2, 2021 (All Souls Day) at Suncoast Hospice Care Center North Pinellas after living with Alzheimer’s for several years. Born July 8, 1943 in Lebanon, she moved to the U.S.A. in 1974, living in Jersey City, NJ for over 40 years before moving to Florida earlier in 2021 to be closer to her daughters and their families.

Madeleine was the oldest child of Hanna and Damia Tohme. Her father, a military officer, died tragically when she was very young so she always felt a special responsibility for her siblings (Marcelle, Antoinette, Janette, Atallah and John). She was married to John (Hanna) Kerbage on January 2, 1960 at St. Therese Church, Fiyadieh, Beirut, Lebanon. They lived in Ablah, Lebanon and raised four children (Maria, Sandy, Gladis and Tarek) before moving to the U.S.A., where their daughter Joanne was born.

Once in the U.S., Madeleine worked for Stan Herman Studios, where she met many famous celebrities and was recognized for her discerning fashion eye and seamstress skills. She was known as an excellent cook and hostess, with many Lebanese friends welcomed into her home. She loved all types of animals, including her special friend Bailey, her daughter Joanne’s dog.

Madeleine is survived by her husband, John Kerbage, her children Maria (Geoff) Akiki, Sandy (Tony) Saydi, Gladis (Joseph) Choueifati, Tarek (Joelle) Kerbage, Joanne (Mazen) Abboud, 14 grandchildren (Stephen, Andrew, Michelle, John, Anthony, Daniel, Marie, Theresa, Gabrielle, John Pierre, Danielle, Matthew, Andrew, Isabella) and 4 great-grandchildren (Luke, Elise, Selah, Zein). She was predeceased by her sisters Marcelle and Janette and is survived by her siblings Antoinette, Atallah and John, many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives in Lebanon. Surviving also are nephews Pierre (Elham) Kerbaj and Georges (Renee) Kerbaj and their children. We are sure Damia, Marcelle and Janette have several cups of coffee and probably a cigarette or two waiting for Mado.

Calling hours will be on Sunday November 7, 2021 from 5-9pm at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 6802 Silvermill Dr, Tampa, FL 33635. Online condolences may be sent at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/tampa-fl/madeleine-kerbage-10430629. A Maronite Catholic funeral Mass (ginnaz) marking Madeleine’s journey from earthly to spiritual life will be celebrated on Monday November 8, 2021 at 10:30am at Sts. Peter & Paul Maronite Church, 6201 Sheldon Rd, Tampa, FL 33615, with interment to follow at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

“And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?” Khalil Gibran