Nadime Karam Kowkabany ,age 87, passed away peacefully, May 8, 2018, surrounded by her adoring and loving family. Born January 1, 1931 in Djezzine, Lebanon to Miriam and Mourad Karam, Nadime grew up with three sisters and two brothers, Josephine, Georgette, Jean D'Arc, Maroon and George. Growing up in Djezzine, Nadime was fluent in both Arabic and French. In 1955 she met the love of her life, Besharah Hanna (CJ/Charles John) Kowkabany whom she married February 9, 1956. Later that year, September, 1956, Nadime moved to Jacksonville, Florida where she would make her home for the next 60 years during which time she learned English, mastered her cooking skills, made cherished friends and created a legacy through her true passion and love, her five children and six grandchildren.
She was an active member of both the Salaam Club of Jacksonville and the Southside Woman's Club. She loved to travel, experiencing new sites and tastes, while making memories with her children and grandchildren cruising the Caribbean, flying to Brazil, visiting her homeland, Lebanon, discovering Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Las Vegas, Montreal, Toronto, Niagara Falls, New Orleans, Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge and Mexico. She enjoyed so many of us during those weekend cook-outs with family and friends, while playing cards (Barreba) took on a whole new meaning engaging her with her children, grandchildren, and friends for so many hours at a time. Truly her greatest joy in life was just spending time with each and every one of us, listening to us, advising us, and relentlessly instilling a foundation in our lives which binds us all to one another for the rest of our lives and the lives of our lineages.
Nadime is predeceased by her loving husband Beshara Hanna (Charles John). She is survived by her children Eva Wheatley (Rick), John B Kowkabany (Paula), Maroon B Kowkabany, Nadeine Macomb (Ruben), Donna Kowkabany, and grandchildren John R Wheatley, III, Diana Wheatley, Nicole Macomb, Kathleen Kowkabany, Ellie Kowkabany, and Hannah Kowkabany, her sister in Brazil, Jean D'Arc, and many cherished friends through the years who became a part of her family.
She touched many lives through her sacrifices, humility, and simple life. She taught us all so many lessons constantly reminding us the value of love for family and time spent together. Free at last, she will live on through all of us who knew, understood, loved, and cherished her. A visitation will be begin at 6:30pm with Rosary at 7:00pm on Friday, May 18, at Hardage-Giddens, The Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, 32207. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to St. Jude's Foundation.
Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com
HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.
