Najla Haddad

Najla Haddad (Um Eid), was born in Al Salt, Jordan on November 11, 1926, and was called home to be in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 1:50 am on December 11, 2014. Her children were at her bedside at Rinaldi Convalescent Hospital. She departed from us with dignity and peace. Although, her immigration documents show she was 88 years old, the fact is, she was actually 90 years old.

She was the daughter of the late Issa O. Haddad and Nawara Haddad, the wife of the late Michael E. Haddad for over 60 years. Um Eid has been blessed with 8 children, 27 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. She has 2 sons, and 6 daughters. Eid, Awni, Alia, Abla, Theriz, Suad, Wafah and Meada. Their spouses are Muna Haddad, Hanan Haddad, the late Izzat Haddad and Fouad Girgus, former husband Saleem Musharbash, Latif Soliman, William Haddad and Jack Haddad.

She comes from a family of eight children. She is a sister to the late Samih, Sami and Jalileh Haddad; and is survived by Asma Haddad, Samir Haddad, Samira Qaqish and Salwa Gammoh.

Um Eid immigrated to the United States with her husband and children in December 1969. She resided in Jersey City, New Jersey until 1983; at that time, her family relocated to Mission Hills, California and she has lived there for the last 31 years. She worked outside the home in Jordan and in New Jersey; until her retirement from Metro Glass in 1982. She worked hard to provide for her family and gave 110% to all her employers. At times, when it was requested she would put in two shifts totaling 16 hours or more. She was always praised by the people she worked for. Even though she worked long hours, she never neglected her husband and children and was always a loving wife and caring mother.

Um Eid loved the Lord with all her heart. She was a born again Christian and true woman of faith. In New Jersey she attended Park Street Chapel in Roselle, N.J., and in California she attended Montebello Christian Church. She was very dedicated to attending church every Sunday, reading her bible every day and singing her favorite hymns. She was a woman of character which reflected love, joy, peace, kindness, gratitude, humility, loyalty, integrity, patience, grace and compassion. And at this time she is rejoicing in Heaven with the Lord.

One of her most favorite things to do was gardening in the backyard. Planting, watering and picking fruits, vegetables, and flowers gave her joy and serenity. She absolutely loved the family day trips at Lake Welch, where she picked grape leaves and olives. She loved to take walks in her neighborhood and enjoyed any opportunity she had to experience what nature had to offer. She enjoyed dancing whenever a happy occasion occurred. She liked to cook for her family and maintained a very clean, orderly home. She enjoyed having her children and grandchildren around and even babysat for some of them.

Najla was the biggest blessing to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They are forever grateful for all the love and sacrifices she made for them; forever grateful for the memories and stories that she left them with. They are so proud and honored to be children of Um Eid. She was loved and respected by so many people and has left an everlasting impression on everyone that she crossed paths with.

Najla was a beautiful woman, inside and out, her smile warmed up a room. She had poise and confidence. She was vey photogenic and God blessed her with this beauty until he took her home. She was thankful for anything and everything, and no matter what the circumstance, when she was asked how are you; her response was always “Himdallah Neshkur Allah” (I am fine, thank God). She will truly be missed by her family and will always be in their hearts.