Elia Kotry Istfanos

Elia Kotry Istfanos, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Elia was born September 15, 1933 in Egypt to Tafdia and Kotry Istfanos. He was the youngest of his 8 siblings (three brothers and four sisters).

He was born in Upper Egypt in the city of Luxor. He moved to continue his education in Cairo with his older sister. He studied in Cairo College and received his degree in Psychology and continued his Master’s in Psychology until he graduated in 1958. Elia was a high school teacher; teaching English and Geography. A few years later, he became a father after the birth of his oldest child and only daughter, Eman. Later on, sons Adeeb and Usama were born.

He was a multi-gifted person. He spent some of his time playing violin and he was a good artist. After retirement, he moved to the United States with his children and continued to study the Bible by attending a lot of churches and meetings. He was committed to learn from the Lord himself. He would also teach bible studies and, occasionally, preached from the Bible.

He is survived by daughter Eman Ghattas, wife of Dr. Nagy Ghattas; sons Adeeb Istfanos and Usama Kotry, wife of Samia Boulos; grandchildren Joseph, Sandra, and Jonathan Ghattas, Edwin and Edmond Istfanos and Carmen, Chris, and Carol Kotry; nephew Sameh Istfanos; along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews who live in Egypt.

A funeral service for Elia will be held Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Freeway Webster, Texas followed by a committal service. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Istfanos family.