Marie was born in Aleppo, Syria to Habib and Najiba Kahhaleh. They were one of the first Christian families in Aleppo. Her father was an award winning furniture maker. She was the youngest of 7 children, and the only girl.
Marie married Emil in 1936 and moved to Tehran, Iran. She had 3 children; Rosemarie, Therese, and Desi. While living in Tehran she volunteered to help wounded soldiers during World War II. I was during this time that she met Joseph Stalin, Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt.
She went on to own her own businesses in both Tehran and Beirut. She was a woman that was far ahead of her time.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband and her daughter; Rosie. At her request private services will be held.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Marie's name to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital.