Fadila Fahad Chater

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Fadila Fahad Chater at the age of 97. “Faddoul” as known to many was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, a deep faith in God and a profound impact that will resonate through the stories we share and the memories we cherish.

In September 1926, Fadila Chater was born in Halba, Lebanon to Daoud and Saada Makdessi. In her teenage years, she had a sole focus on higher education with big aspirations of becoming a lawyer. Shortly after, she met her soon-to-be husband and love of her life, Fahad Chater. Once married, Fadila and Fahad were blessed with eight children in the village of Karam Asfour where Fahad was Mayor.

Unfortunately, Fadila encountered tragedy with the premature loss of two of her children due to illness and subsequently her husband. As a young widow, Fadila raised her six children while being the Mayor of Karam Asfour. Reviving her childhood aspirations of higher education, Fadila’s progressive mindset and love for children enabled her to open Karam Asfour’s first elementary school, accessible to children of all religions in an era where this was not common. She ran the school and served as the mayor until she immigrated to Canada shortly after her eldest son, Ibrahim, in 1973. Her remaining children would follow seeking better life and opportunity. Throughout the years she saw her children grow their own families and was alongside every step of the way. She was an integral part of her grandchildren’s lives, instituting the importance of family.

Her leadership role continued in Canada - a matriarch until the day she passed. Showing signs of strength even in her final days, she was able to tell everyone in her family members she loved them. She dedicated herself to her family and to a last name that she carried very proudly. Fadila also expressed her love of family through her writing, chronicling short stories and poetry to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Fadila is survived by her loving children, Ibrahim (Joumana) Chater; Denise (the late Toufic) Chater; Fahda Kennedy; Kamil (Amale) Chater; Margot (the late Habib) Chater; and Emile Chater; her 20 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren; her sister Evelyne; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Fadila was predeceased by her parents, Daoud and Saada Makdessi, her children William and Houwayda; her brothers Ayssar and Faysal, her sisters Nabiha and Mountaha; as well as her sons-in-law Toufic and Habib.

Fadila was not only a person, Fadila symbolized a feeling. Her charming smile and remarkable intellect commanded one’s attention. Her personality left a lasting impression on everyone she touched. She had the undeniable ability to make one feel warm and special in her presence.

Today, we mourn an Angel that God bestowed upon us for nearly a century.

Today, we will hold one another a little bit tighter.

Today, we will love one another a little bit more.

Today, we give thanks to Fadila Chater.

Never to be forgotten.

Visitation will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax on Thursday January 4, 2024 from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm.

Funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Lebanon Church, 111 Clayton Park Drive, Halifax on Friday January 5, 2024 at 11 am. Father Namatallah Eid officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Lebanon Parish.

Condolences will be accepted by the family on Saturday, January 6 and Sunday, January 7, 2024 from 3pm to 9pm at the residence of Ibrahim Chater at 180 Eaglewood Drive, Bedford, NS.