Mariam Zewdi Gabrou

Mariam Zewdi Gabrou was born on February 25, 1933 in El-Gadarif, Sudan and was called home on September 16, 2021 in Yakima, WA. She was the pillar of her family, beloved by all, and affectionately regarded as “Mama” and “Mommy” to those who came to know her.

Her strength and poise were made clear early in her life, particularly when she lost her parents at the young age of nine and became the caretaker of her brothers, Awad and Hanin. She was sent to complete her schooling at Villa Gilda School in Khartoum, Sudan where she was raised by Italian nuns. During this time, Beloved Mariam became a connoisseur of language and culture which ultimately led to her passion for travel and her ability to speak seven languages fluently.

As a young woman, Beloved Mariam came to know the family of Daniel Abuzeid Morgan and Agnus Feliche who regarded her as their daughter. Soon thereafter, she became a wife (late Andrea Nassar) and mother to five, whom she raised on her own.

She lived with the utmost elegance and courage and sacrificed for her children. Among many achievements, she was an English teacher at the prestigious Camboni Schools in Khartoum, Sudan as well as a successful business woman. She also helped to raise numerous young people, ultimately establishing herself as the pillar of the community.

Despite navigating hardship, Beloved Mariam remained kind in her words, her gestures, her expressions; and her spirit of generosity. She was fulfilled when her home, both in Khartoum and Yakima, was full of family and friends. She loved to laugh, tell elaborate stories, dress up, dance, and share her culinary skills until those around the table were “stuffed, not fool.”

As a devout Catholic, Beloved Mariam exemplified her faith through her generous charitable giving, meditating on the scriptures, faithfully praying the rosary, being a mediator for the family bringing peace and consension, and opening her home to all––friends, travelers, the poor, the rich, the sick, everyone. She radiated joy and pure love that impacted lives across the globe; and will be remembered by heavy yet grateful hearts.

Beloved Mariam is survived by her husband Latif Stamboulieh; her children, Joseph Nassar, Shadia Nassar, Maha Nassar, Katrina Stamboulieh, and Habib Stamboulieh; daughter-in-law, Almaz Daoud; son-in-law, Peter DuCré; brother, Hanin Zewdi (Goy); and numerous others whom she loved and claimed as sisters, daughters, and sons. Beloved Mariam was Haboba to thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and eighteen nieces and nephews. She is greeted in Heaven by her parents Zewdi and Adela Gabrou, brother Awad Zewdi, and her beloved children: William Nassar, Amal DuCré, and Faiz Nassar.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come...Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31: 25,31 NIV

A vigil/visitation for Mariam will be held Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home, 1010 West Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5315 Tieton Drive, Yakima, WA 98908. A committal service will occur Wednesday, September 22, 2021 immediately following at Calvary Cemetery, 1405 S 24th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lepfuneralhome.com for the Gabrou family.