Layla El-Chakar

“Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.“ — John 11:25-26 NLT 

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Layla El-Chakar, who passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at the age of 83. Born in Mansourah, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, on June 7, 1943, Layla later made Ottawa her home.

Layla was a warm, strong, independent, loving, caring, and hardworking woman who devoted herself to her family. A woman of deep faith, she carried her values and traditions with her throughout her life. Despite her long fight with Multiple Myeloma, Layla always kept a smile on her face and never ceased to express her neverending love for her family.

Layla was a talented seamstress. After moving to Ottawa in the 1988, she opened and operated her own tailor shop in Hintonburg, where she shared her skill and craftsmanship with the community until her retirement. She also found great joy in gardening and cooking for family.

Layla was predeceased by her beloved husband, Elias El-Chakar, who passed away on October 8, 2005.

She leaves behind her four children: Bechara, Pascale (Ibrahim Hajjar), Pierre, and Milad (Rita); and her eight grandchildren: Aidalena and Serena; Michel, Ralph and Sophie; Brandon; and Elias and Lucas.

Layla was predeceased by her younger brothers George and Yousef. She will be deeply missed by her younger sisters, Samira, Nahia, Amira and Rifka, many nieces and nephews, and extended family in Lebanon.

Layla will be remembered for her strength, independence, loving nature, and devotion to those she cared for. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m at the Beechwood Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at St Peter and Paul Melkite Catholic Church in Ottawa.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Layla’s memory to Sts. Peter and Paul Church (https://melkite.com/donate/) or to The Ottawa Hospital (https://ohfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/) would be appreciated.

The family would like to thank all relatives and friends for their prayers, love, and support during this difficult time. The family also extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Hematology and Palliative care teams at the Ottawa Hospital General for their compassionate care and support.