Laure Khoury Kardahji

The eldest of six, Laura was a second mother before she was even a mother. She survived war, the heartbreaking loss of a sibling, and more hardships than most, all with quiet strength, a warm smile, and probably a pot of something delicious simmering on the stove.

She married the love of her life, Karim, and together they built a home that was always open—and always full. Full of laughter, full of love, and very, very full of food. “Eat something. Let me make you something,” was her standard greeting, whether you just popped in for coffee or had literally just come from a restaurant. Her nafas (spirit for cooking) in the kitchen was legendary, and her tabbouleh and kibbee could heal wounds, mend hearts, and possibly broker world peace.

Laura was the original cool mom. She made it look easy—because, for her, it was. She was sharp, witty, and hugged like she meant it. Her laugh? The best. Her poker face? Unbeatable. Her dance moves? Immaculate. She gave the best advice, whether you wanted to hear it or not. She was also almost always right. And, yes, she was once crowned the Watermelon Beauty Queen—a fact we don’t entirely understand but will absolutely brag about any chance given.

Her greatest joy, though, was her family. Her four kids were her everything. But if you asked her about her real favorite person, she’d say, without hesitation, “Gracie.” Teta Laura and Grace had a bond that was pure magic, and Laura’s love for her granddaughter was the kind that lit up rooms.

Laura is survived by her children, Tarek (Tala), Racha (Lucas), Rana, and Samer; her adored granddaughter, Grace; her “bonus” granddaughter, Aenet; her siblings, Randa (Joe) and Imad; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and more friends than you could count.

She’s now reunited with her husband Karim, her parents, siblings Sabah and Salah, and a long table of loved ones—undoubtedly with tabbouleh, kibbee, and arak already on the table.

Laura danced through life with grace, cooked with love, and made every room brighter just by being in it. She was effortless—always.

And her love will be, too.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, February 21, 2025 at Gorsline-Runciman Tiffany Chapel, 3232 W. Saginaw, with visitation 10:00 am until the time of service. Interment will follow at Deepdale Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00-8:00 pm on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to The Refugee Development Center.

600 W. Maple St. Suite A | Lansing, MI 48906