Mrs. Souad Nicolas Istephan

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Souad Istephan. Our beloved mother and grandmother went to be with the Lord early on Sunday, August 11th, 2024, following a battle with her heart. Her children are Waffa, Bill, Mark, and Hana. Her grandchildren are Mason, McKenna, Max, and Zach. They will all miss her tremendously and will cherish every memory of her.

Souad Nicholas Istephan was born in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 6th, 1939 to parents Linda and Nicholas Mattar. She was the second oldest of seven siblings: Marie, Violet, Nabil, Antoun, Sammy, and Denise. While in Beirut, Sue worked as a French teacher and principal. She married her husband Kamal on July 17th, 1965. Kamal, passed away in 2018. In 1975, Souad and Kamal followed the Lord’s calling to move their family out of Lebanon. Leaving everything behind, they took their three children to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in search of a better and safer life with more opportunities. They did not have any connections or work in Canada, but God miraculously provided for them every step of the way. Then in Ottawa, the Lord blessed them with their fourth child, Hana. In 1985, they moved to Victoria, British Columbia. Sue was a very special woman. She was incredibly strong, fierce, funny, and intelligent. Sue had many friends at Emmanuel Baptist Church that she loved visiting and laughing with. She spent all of her adult life managing multiple roles: as a teacher, raising four children with unconditional love, and giving her everything to build a loving family with her husband. During her life, Sue faced many challenges, from civil war to struggling to make ends meet. She met each challenge with perseverance, hard work, and faith in God. Sue’s love for God was the center of all the sacrifices she made for her family and the origin of her loving and kind spirit.

Even in the last days, her every interaction was filled with grace and love, and she never let a doctor or nurse leave the room without thanking them. Her family will always remember her for her unbeatable strength, profound faith, and unconditional love. We love you and will cherish everything you taught us.