Janet Kassis Shunnarah

Janet Kassis Shunnarah fell asleep in the Lord November 23, 2022, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Birmingham, Alabama. She was born in Jerusalem, Palestine on March 13, 1947. Her family immigrated to the United States in 1962 and they settled in Livonia, Michigan. She met her husband Jimile of 54 years, married in 1968 and made their home in Birmingham, Alabama.

Janet was a devoted member of St. George Melkite Greek-Catholic church, being elected the first female president of the Parish Advisory Council as well as a member of the Azara Club, the predecessor organization to the St. Anne’s Society. Janet loved to work at the annual St. George Food Festival, whether cooking or working to account for the receipts. She also worked in the family business at Asia Rug Company while participating in many of her children’s school and extracurricular activities and the Parent Teacher Association.

She was an incredibly sweet and generous soul who loved to entertain her family and friends at any time. Janet loved her family dearly, especially her siblings, children, 25 nieces and nephews and her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Ellen and Joseph Kassis and her sister Nadia Ideh (Gabi). She is survived by her loving husband Jimile and her children Salem Shunnarah, Suzanne Michael (Andrew) and Liane Cooper (Josh). Janet is also survived by her siblings Mike Kassis (Hala), Nick Kassis (Carolynn), Sylvia Ideh (George) and Sue Moreno (Bob). She leaves behind seven grandchildren and three grand-fur babies – Hannah, Katherine, Jamie, Maria, Emily, Sophia, Sarah, Krispy, Baxter and Dunkin.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the St. George Building Fund or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visitation will be Monday, November 28th at St. George Melkite Greek-Catholic Church (425 16th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205) from 10:00 – 11:00 am and the funeral will take place at 11:00 am followed by interment at Elmwood Cemetery. A meal of mercy will be served at St. George Church following the interment.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Shunnarah family.