Emily Seikaly Besharah (née Ghieh)

Machgharah & Kfarmishki

It is with deep sorrow and immense love that we announce the passing of our cherished Emily Seikaly Besharah (Em Joe), who departed this life peacefully on the afternoon of Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by her beloved family.

Emily was born in Machgarah, to the late Elias and Geneviève Ghieh. She grew up alongside her siblings and was known from a young age for her gentle spirit, sharp intellect, and unwavering faith in God, qualities that shaped a life devoted to love, learning, and service.

Emily was a devoted wife of 68 years to Ibrahim Seikaly Besharah, and a beloved mother to Joe (Mary Saikaly), Mike (Hanaa El-Tahch), Jean (Alex El-Khoury), Gisèl (Aziz Ghazal), and a loving stepmother to Leila (the late Raymond Bershan).

She is survived by her loving siblings, Marie Boutros (wife of the late Edmond), Nadia Karam (wife of the late Jean) and is predeceased by her sister Eva Ghazal (wife of the late Samih) and her brother Emile Ghieh (husband of Marie).

Cherished grandmother of Joyce, Joey, Samantha (Khaled Taha), Cynthia (Chakib Najm), Krista (Ramy Khalaf), Johnny, Aiby, Jenny, Alex, Sandra, Elio, and Elias, and great-grandmother to Nicholas, Lamira, John-Alexander and Sofia. 

She will also be deeply missed by her many nieces and nephews in Canada and Lebanon. 

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, 2975 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Hope Cemetery, 4660 Bank St., Ottawa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral.

May her memory be eternal.