Nabiha Musa Akel, born February 2, 1921, left us to join other loved ones on September 18, 2010. She lived a fulfilling, complete life in her various roles as friend, cousin, daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, tata, and sittee. Nabiha was born and raised in Ramallah, Palestine. She came to this country in 1962, with all her children in tow to join her husband, Musa, in Jacksonville.
She is survived by her sister, Victoria Ganim; children, Karim (Abla) Akel, Siham (Salem) Akel, Nuha Farah, Lucy Rafidi, and Adel (Colleen) Akel; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Nabiha had amazing strength and determination coming to another country, learning another language, learning new customs and traditions, in addition to learning a new way of life that also preserves her heritage. Later in 1981, she and her husband moved from KY to Jacksonville, FL to join the rest of their extended family. They loved to travel and visited over half of the 50 states. She contributed so much to her family, raising a family that despite their differences, as all families have, have stuck together, looked out for each other, loved together, laughed together, fought together, and still loved together. Family and tradition were very important to her and remains instilled in her family because of her. She will always be remembered.
She lived a full and complete life with laughter and sorrow. She is finally at peace now with her Maker, and her loved ones – husband Musa, her son Sami, her grandson Lewis, brothers Yousef, Wadea and Nabih, and sister Jallelah Gazaleh. We know she will continue to watch over us and guide us.
Family will receive friends from 6 – 7 pm on Monday, Sept. 20 at Hardage-Giddens Chapel, 4115 Hendricks Ave. with a rosary service beginning at 7 pm. Funeral Mass will be held 10 am Tuesday, Sept. 21 at San Jose Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave.
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