Mary Mansour

Mary passed away peacefully in her home on March 1, with her loving family and compassionate caregivers near her side during her final days.

Born in Palestine on August 25, 1923, Mary was the youngest daughter of Khalil Hakeem, a Greek Orthodox priest in Jerusalem. She married Bishara Mansour, her beloved husband of 63 years in May1943.

In 1956, Mary and Bishara realized that their family would have a brighter future in the United States. They brought their three young sons thousands of miles from Lebanon to New York by way of two ships and then across the country on Greyhound buses to Los Angeles. Mary and Bishara were pioneers who then assisted hundreds of family members and friends in their relocation to the United States.

Mary was universally liked by all. Her infectious warmth, generosity, unselfish nature and perpetual smile will be missed by her family and friends. Mary never drew attention to herself, but always took great pride in the accomplishments of others.

Even though Mary faced more than her fair share of setbacks in life and worked tirelessly on behalf of her family, she never complained. Instead, she gained strength from her experiences and imparted a sense of honor regardless of the obstacles she encountered.

While she cherished her entire family, Mary reserved her greatest love for Bishara, her beloved sons and daughters-in-law, Nabil, Munir, Nadim, Anne Janet and Dianne; and adored by her grandchildren Nick (and his wife Suzi), Chris (and his wife Jaclyn), Pat, Ryan and Amelia. Her great-grandchildren Owen, Olivia and Parker, brought much joy into her life during her last years. Mary is also survived by her loving brother George Hakim.

Mary loved her extended family and friends and appreciated their constant communications and well-wishes.

Until her last breath, Mary showed us the same courage, grace and good spirit that she carried throughout her life. In the end, she stood as a model of a woman who loved life and who lived with a high degree of dignity and extraordinary grace.

Her family and friends were truly blessed to have her in their lives for such a long time. She was simply the best in every respect.

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make donations in Mary’s name to either of these causes:

St. Mark Orthodox Church

17840 Skypark Circle

Irvine, Ca. 92614

Or

Friends of Four Homes of Mercy

10455 Torre Avenue

Cupertino, Ca. 95014

Arrangements under the direction of Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary FD1176, Corona Del Mar, CA.