Khelyou S. Yonan

Khelyou S. Yonan, a beloved matriarch, passed away on January 12, 2024, at her home surrounded by her cherished loved ones. Her journey through life was marked by love, resilience, and family. She was a mother to 6 children, 3 daughter in-laws and 1 son-in-law, and Nana to 10 grandchildren: Henry and his wife Yonia, along with their children George and Nicholas; Reehany and her husband Chuck (Smith), with their children Libby and Yesmine; Younan and his wife Theresa (Gregor), and their children Danielle and Nina; Leenda (Amedin) and her children Anthony and Samantha; Heelda; Joseph and his wife Lena (Korial), with their children Isabela and Gianna.

Named after her paternal grandmother, Khelyou and her late twin were born on February 8, 1931, in Damascus, Syria to Joseph E. Moshi and Almas Talia. Almas was 46 years old when she gave birth to Khelyou, after overcoming life’s worst challenges. Almas bitterly lost her parents (Khelyou’s grandparents) during a massacre of Christian Assyrians while serving faithfully as clergy in the church. Almas was then married off at just 14 to an 85-year-old man, who fathered her first son, George, Khelyou’s half-brother. Shortly after, her much older husband passed away, and his family took her only son back with them to Iran. Almas was left to support herself as a servant. This is where she met Khelyou’s father, Joseph, a cab driver. As Khelyou would lovingly share, it was love at first sight and a turning point in her family’s legacy. However, the stories of her mother’s past and half-brother were later revealed to Khelyou after questioning why her mother lamented often.

Khelyou spent her younger years as an only child in Beirut, Lebanon. Although she never went to school, she boasted of a happy childhood and special relationship with her parents. Her father taught her the Aramaic alphabet and shared bible stories which she would later recite to her own kids. She helped support her family by nannying famous Italian stars. This was until 1957 when her father arranged Khelyou to marry a family friend in Iraq, born of the same tribe and educated family. Later that year, she married Slewoo Yonan, and settled in the village of Kirkuk, Iraq with her new husband’s parents and his 5 brothers.

Khelyou and Slewoo were blessed with 5 children while in Iraq: Henry, Reehany, Younan, Leenda, and Heelda. 13 years later, they abruptly moved their new family to Lebanon, fleeing persecution.

In 1971, the family embarked on a new chapter, moving to the United States granted under the sponsorship of William Yonan, Slewoo’s brother, with the promise of new opportunities and a better life. This is where she made Chicago, Illinois her home and had her youngest child, Joseph, named after her father.

Khelyou and her husband were active in the Chicago Assyrian community, enjoying parties, weddings, picnics, and church. She passed down her rich culture, language, and traditions to her kids, with hopes her family will continue to value the Assyrian culture and bring it forth to future generations.

Khelyou tragically lost her left hand in a punch press factory accident in 1974. However, she did not let this disability hinder her in any capacity. She worked diligently as a homemaker, always having delicious dolma, shudwa, or biryani ready on the stove and keeping the house orderly. She put everyone’s needs above her own; the first to celebrate others. It wasn’t unusual for her children to stop by for a meal or chai, welcoming them with a radiant smile and open arms.

She loved doing anything to serve her children: sew clothes, cook food, and encourage them to be the best they could be. She cared for her daughters-in-law and son-in-law as her own. She went on to share this same kindness and servitude with her grandchildren. She didn’t think twice, lending a more-than-helping hand raising several grandchildren, ensuring the success of her family.

Proceeded in death by her husband in 2000, she moved to Palm Coast, Florida and lived with her two daughters, Reehany and Heelda, and Reehany’s children and husband, near her son Joseph and his wife and children. She spent many hours on the phone keeping in touch with her friends and family. Khelyou had a deep affection for the beach, finding solace and joy in its shores. She was also known for her sweet tooth, being a self-proclaimed chocoholic, enjoying her fair share of chocolate from Angel & Phelps. Every summer, she and her daughter Heelda, made the trip back to Chicago to cherish time with family.

At age 79, she had a revelation that yet again would change her life. She accepted Jesus Christ as her savior and shortly after was baptized in her pool in Palm Coast, Florida as a proclamation of her faith. She had a strong and unwavering faith in God, whom she leaned on during trials and praised during joyous times. She enjoyed listening to Assyrian sermons each night.

Her nurturing personality didn’t overlook anyone including plant life, even reviving several plants from the dead when others had failed to. And fostering friendship came naturally to her; she made many life-long friends from various parts of the world as well as reunited with old friends from back home. Described as a friend to all, she delighted in being hospitable and sharing her unconditional love with all she came across.

Later in Khelyou’s life, her daughter Heelda, dedicated day after day to her care, with the support of her siblings. The last few years could not have been possible without the many caregivers, particularly Marie Robinson and Susan McCaffery, which the family is forever grateful for.

Across 4 different countries, mother to 6 children, Nana to 10 grandchildren, fluent in 4 languages (Assyrian, Arabic, French and English), her legacy lives on as the Lord welcomed her home. Khelyou was swift to serve, quick to laugh, and prompt to bless others; she loved without measure. Khelyou S. Yonan will rest in the Lord’s eternal peace and her memory forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The family kindly requests that donations be made in Khelyou’s memory to the Assyrian Aid Society at https://assyrianaid.org/chicago/. This gesture will honor her legacy and contribute to a cause close to her heart.

A viewing for Khelyou will be held Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach, Florida 32136, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.