Sarah was born in Alexandria, Egypt on March 9th, 1945. She discovered her love for language at an early age and over the course of her life, became fluent in 6 languages; Italian, French and Arabic first and later, English, Hebrew and Spanish. She relocated to New York City with her mother and siblings on April 13, 1970. Little did she know, her friend and soon to be sweetheart, Kamal Gress, relocated to New York City too, 5 days later. They reconnected shortly after and Kamal & Sarah were married on November 2, 1975.
Sarah was a hard worker and loved to learn. She obtained her high school diploma and bachelors degree all while employed in various fields. She spent time working as a secretary and a paralegal but found her passion in teaching young children as a paraprofessional in elementary schools. Sarah also took time off during her career to raise her two sons, Daniel and David. 10 years to be exact as she wanted to provide them with the most love, best care and strongest foundation that a mother can give.
Although Sarah always put her family first, she found time to take up hobbies as well. Sarah’s work ethic and determination allowed her to always accomplish whatever she set her mind to. She was a seamstress and designed and made clothing. She took up painting and took classes in art. She had talent in the kitchen and could create hundreds of delicious dishes from memory.
Sarah also loved to travel with her loving husband and together visited many international destinations such as Greece, Italy, France, England, Egypt, Israel and various islands in the Caribbean. She also travelled within the United States and found a soft spot in her heart for Daytona Beach. You see, Sarah loved the ocean and always knew she wanted to retire by the beach. Kamal & Sarah purchased their beach home on Coral Way East in June, 1990.
Sarah was also very spiritual and found peace in prayer. She could often be found worshipping our Lord and put her faith in him always. She was always fair and just, pleasant and peaceful and never wished harm upon anyone. She loved her family and friends and was loved by all who knew her.
Sarah was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease in her early 60’s. Although the news was devastating to her family, somehow she remained as happy, positive and uplifting as ever. She continued to sing and dance to her favorite Arabic songs. She continued to pray never wavering in her faith in our Lord.
Over the next 15 years, under the care of her loving husband, her memory and health faded away slowly and now, with very heavy hearts we bid farewell to our sweetest angel, Sarah Gress. We watch with tears in our eyes as she ascends to heaven, her memory restored as she watches over us.
A visitation for Sarah will be held Thursday, August 18, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, 548 N. Nova Rd., Ormond Beach, FL 32174. A funeral mass will occur Friday, August 19, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, 300 N Halifax Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118.
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