Nazira Chagra Dewan

DEWANNazira Chagra Dewan, 83, passed away August 5, 2008 after a vibrant, active, and fulfilling life. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and caring friend to all who knew her. Nazira was born in Mazraat el Shouf, Lebanon to Salvador and Milene Chagra on January 1, 1925. Shortly thereafter, the family immigrated to Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico. While residing there, Nazira was crowned la Reina (Queen) de la Ciudad. While visiting her Uncle Phillip in Danbury, Connecticut, she met and married her beloved husband of 53 years, Chicory Elias Dewan. The family moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1968 and she became active in many community and social organizations. Nazira was devoted to her family, very religious, and a devout Catholic. She spoke three languages and was an active member in the Garden Circle, the Gateway Woman's Club, the Salaam Club, the Molaka Club, the Lebanon Ladies Club, and the Syrian Ladies Club. Nazira also participated in many other social and charitable activities. She was a talented and avid dancer, particularly in the Latin and Middle Eastern styles. Nazira was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Jose, Luis and Nacif Chagra; sister Aurora Chagra,; and brother-in-law Emil Dewan. She is survived by her sons Derek and Devry; daughter Zea Deeb; daughter-in-law, Kim Dewan; son-in-law Steve Deeb; brother, Eduardo Chagra ; and sisters-in-laws Malana Chagra and Evelyn Dewan. She was proud of her six grandchildren; Brittany and Allison Dewan; Robby, Ryan and Sean Deeb; Elyse Deeb Speaks (Jeff), great-grandchild Amelia Speaks and several nieces, nephews and cousins. For Nazira, a rosary prayer and visitation will be held on Friday, August 8 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Maron's Maronite Catholic Church, 7032 Bowden Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32216. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9, at 1:00 p.m. at San Jose Catholic Church, 3619 Toledo Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32217. Entombment will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32217 immediately following the funeral mass. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Maron’s Maronite Catholic Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32211. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com