Oklahoma City resident Lamya Zuhdi, born May 15, 1924, went to Heaven on Angel’s wings on January 24, 2021. Lamya never met anyone she didn’t like, and she would never hesitate to give anything she had to anyone – strangers or family, it didn’t matter. Her kind and generous spirit gave her an aura that made her glow, both inside and out and her heart was pure and sweet. Another attribute she had was her strong will, one that enabled her to become an accomplished linguist and a college graduate at a time where intellectual women were sometimes afraid to stand out. Lamya was not afraid. She was a true trailblazer and an incredibly beautiful, God-loving woman who loved and adored her family.
Lamya married Nazih Zuhdi November 17, 1947 in Aleppo, Syria and they were married for almost 22 years before going separate ways. Dr. Nazih Zuhdi’s description of his former wife Lamya in his book about his life was that Lamya was bright, beautiful and elegant and “had inherited the intelligence of her father, a noted poet, and the grace of her mother.” Dr. Zuhdi also credited Lamya with giving him the idea which catapulted him to medical stardom with his invention of Total Intentional Hemodilution for open heart surgery. It was Lamya who told him, “Why don’t you build a volume decreasing heat exchanger?” What happened next after Lamya’s suggestion and Dr. Zuhdi’s ultimate invention, made medical history that to this day, helps millions upon millions of people worldwide who are undergoing open heart surgery.
Lamya was born in Aleppo, Syria. In addition to being a renowned poet, Lamya’s father Ibrahim Mujahed was also an attorney who later became one of the country’s Supreme Court Justices. Lamya’s beauteous mother Khairie Baki came from one of the traditional families in Halab. Lamya was known for her intellect but she was also known for inheriting her mother’s lovely looks. Lamya studied and spoke three different languages, French being her favorite. In 1945, Lamya graduated from the University of Beirut in Lebanon. While attending the University, she competed against other beauty queens from three different countries and won the beauty contest.
After marrying, Lamya came to the United States in 1950 from Beirut, Lebanon by way of Pan American Airways, Inc. Lamya and Nazih lived in New York City, giving birth to two sons, and shortly thereafter, moved and settled in Oklahoma. Lamya loved her family intensely and her family loved, respected and cherished their “Mom.” Lamya is survived by her two sons, Omar Zuhdi, her first born and Bill Zuhdi, her youngest. Ultimately, Omar married Shelly Rutherford, and both became teachers. Bill, following in Lamya’s father’s footsteps, became a trial attorney. Ultimately, Bill married Darla Boyd. Lamya is also survived by two grandsons, Chris Zuhdi and Noah Zuhdi. Lamya is also survived by one great-grandchild, Elijah Zuhdi, born to Noah and his wife Sara Mata. A family photo showing Lamya and generations, which include her great-grandchild Elijah, is a treasured family memento.
About Lamya, the consistent thing her family always heard was she was a wonderful woman who truly touched their lives. She was loved by all who had the great fortune to know her. Today, and every day we are here, we celebrate the beautiful life of Lamya Zuhdi, the incredible mother and accomplished, amazing woman she was, her legacy, and the future legacy her genes, honorable example and love passed on.
Lamya also had a big heart for animals and routinely took in strays to give them a better life. And now, the family takes comfort in knowing she is surrounded by animals of all kinds in Heaven as well as all those she loved that went before her. Due to the pandemic, a private ceremony celebrating Lamya’s life will be held January 27, 2021. For those who wish to participate in honoring Lamya’s life, a donation made to any non-kill animal shelter in honor of “Will,” her favorite cat or “Leyla” her beloved dog, would be what she would love.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18