OBITUARY

Hoda "Mimi" Kosseim

April 5, 1936 – December 28, 2020
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Hoda "Mimi" Kosseim

Hoda (Mimi) Hilal Kosseim died peacefully on Monday, December 28 at her home in Greenwich, CT, surrounded by her family. She was 84. With dignity and grace, she battled lymphoma and leukemia in the last four years of her life. Daughter of the late Dr. Kamel and Mrs. Alice Hilal, she was born April 5, 1936 in Cairo, Egypt. She attended the English Mission College in Cairo and continued her studies at the University of Cairo, earning a master’s degree in British Literature. In 1962 she emigrated with her mother to the United States from Egypt, to join her brothers.

Soon after arrival she reconnected with Alex Kosseim, a family friend from Egypt. They were married in Minneapolis, MN on June 29, 1963. While raising three daughters in Yorktown Heights and Rye, NY, she completed a second master’s degree in Library Science from St. John’s University. She worked full time as a reference librarian and cataloguer at New Rochelle Public Library and then at Greenwich Library. Mimi embodied the values of academic achievement and career options for women. She was a trail blazer and role model for her daughters in balancing career, family, and community service. She viewed herself as a feminist. Outside of her loves of family and literature, she enjoyed all forms of needlework and was a fabulous cook. She also volunteered her time at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye and later at Stamford Hospital. She and Alex traveled widely throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Passionate about learning and embracing new challenges, she recently formed a book club, a Mah Jong group, and in her 80s, took up bridge. Her circle of friends continued to grow.

Mimi was always a hopeful and optimistic person. When speaking of her journey to the United States, she said “You look ahead. You don’t look behind.”

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Alex Kosseim; by her children, Mona Kosseim (Paul Baumgartel) of Stamford, CT, Janine Wakim (Toufic) of Greenwich, CT, Dr. Laura Kosseim (Dr. John Lynch) of Penn Valley, Pennsylvania; her cousin Nelly Khandji of Rye, NY; her six grandchildren Matthew, Michelle, Alyse, Gaby, Katie, and Jack; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Dr. Sadek, Ghanem, Adel, and Fayiz Hilal.

An intimate wake will be held on Friday, January 1, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Leo P. Gallagher Funeral home, Greenwich, CT. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 2 at Immaculate Conception Church, Sleepy Hollow, NY. The Mass will be live-streamed at: https://www.Facebook.com/JPIIMCC. For those interested in attending in person, please make a reservation by either emailing the church at jpiimc.ny@gmail.com or calling 914-631-0446 Ext 1. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land,” www.ffhl.org.

For additional details or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit www.leopgallaghergreenwich.com.

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Jill Cassill

January 3, 2021

Dear Janine, Mona, and Laura,
I am so sorry for your huge loss. Mimi was such a loving, compassionate and gentle spirit. We shared much in the way of conversations about our lives, and yes, laughter too. In this last very difficult time of her life, I never once heard Mimi complain. I will deeply miss her and cherish her memory.
Jill Cassill, caregiver and friend

Mima Arbid

January 2, 2021

Mimi was sitting on a bed and I was sitting on the floor next to her while we told each other stories from our respective lives and watching Michel and Toufic play tennis outside.... we had such a connection with each other. Always will.

Frances Mourani

January 1, 2021

Our deepest condolences to you, Janine, on the loss of your dear mother. Also thinking of Toufic and Michelle and Gaby at this sad time for your family and the community of Saint John Paul II. I loved the video you prepared about your grandmother's emigration story, Gaby! She lived through a turbulent time in Middle Eastern history and the way she and her family looked to America as their beacon of hope and their escape to a better life, is a story we all need to be reminded of! Thank you for sharing and so glad you captured that memory for the record.
love to you all from the Mourani Family.
Frances

martha neiro

January 1, 2021

Hoda was the Dearest Lady! - a consummate librarian, friend,cook and gentle person.
We had so many wonderful times together.
Martha Neiro

Stephanie Gambino

December 31, 2020

Monia, i'm so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful video about Mimi immigration to the US.
My sympathies to you and your family.

Atreyi Ray

December 30, 2020

Dear Mona and Janine - Am so sorry for your loss....my sincere condolences. Hope you can find strength in the many good memories. Thinking of you and sending love and hugs - Atreyi

Wayne Campbell

December 30, 2020

I am sorry to hear about Hoda. We worked together at the Greenwich Library. I always looked forward to working the Reference Desk with her so I could share her sharp mind, friendly personality, and love of food and recipes. She provided me with plenty of meal ideas, sprinkled with her wisdom.

Wayne Campbell
Friends Friday Films Host (Ret.)

Mona Kosseim

December 29, 2020

Here is a short video of Mimi produced by her Granddaughter, Gaby Wakim, about Mimi's immigration to the U.S.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_QuChBrn3aCS8UZ4PWULjfM8WnNz9KzP/view?usp=sharing

Linda Schwartzman

December 29, 2020

Mimi was not only an accomplished woman, but a beautiful person inside and out. I always came away with a smile after spending time together.

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

Mimi and cousins

FROM THE FAMILY

St. Mark's Square, Venice, Italy

FROM THE FAMILY

Mimi with her 4 brothers and mother on her wedding day

FROM THE FAMILY

A new experience -- snow!

FROM THE FAMILY

Australia!

FROM THE FAMILY

Wedding Day

FROM THE FAMILY

Mimi's wedding day, June 29 1963

FROM THE FAMILY

Mimi, 2019

FROM THE FAMILY

2016, Mexico