Sadie Shaheen passed away November 14, 2016 at the age of 86, from pancreatic cancer.
Affectionately known as "Dooda," Sadie was the daughter of Fr. George and Khouria Mary Shaheen. Born in Canton, Ohio, she spent the early years of her life growing up in Katana, Syria. She returned to Canton at the age of 16 and graduated from Lehman High School, barely speaking English. She married Carl Shaheen on September 4, 1949 and a new chapter began. Sadie was a warm and welcoming hostess and a wonderful cook, especially of mid-eastern food – her home and her heart always open to family, friends and soon-to-be friends from near and far. Her Sunday brunches, Monday girls' nights, and Thursday morning breakfasts were regular weekly features! She especially loved children and was passionate about supporting three orphanages in Syria through the Crusaders Organization, inspired by her brother, Archbishop Michael Shaheen, 50 years ago. On October 23, 2016, she was awarded the Antiochian Archdiocese Meritorious Service Award for her charitable works. Besides the Crusaders, she was a member of the Ladies of St. George and the Phoenician Auxiliary.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 50 years, Carl; brothers, Archbishop Michael Shaheen, Fr. George and Khouria Margaret Shaheen, George and Mouna Shaheen; infant sister, Julia; and nephew, Michal. Survivors include daughter, Carol (Michael); son, Greg (Janet); grandchildren, Michelle (Tim) Wires, Robin (Eugene) Cazantzes, Sadie, Carly; and great-grandchildren, Gracie, Michael, Peter and Kate – Dooda's "best friends."
We thank our clergy, our doctors, family and so many friends who have touched us and who have shared our heart. Your prayers and love sustained us.
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Canton, OH, with a Trisagion service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Michael Corbin officiating, assisted by Rev. Fr. Basil Shaheen, nephews Rev. Fr. Michael Shaheen and Rev. Fr. Fred Shaheen. The family will receive one hour before services. Internment will be in Westlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Sadie' s name may be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Crusaders of Canton, or the Carl and Sadie Endowment Fund of the University of Mount Union.
Dooda lived an interesting life, she wrote "Sadie's Story" in 2007. In her words, "It has, thankfully, been a good and full life. I feel very blessed. Through the years I have always been a part of a beautiful circle of family and friends. Love is the theme of my life. I have been loved and I give love." Her favorite quote was "Allah Kareem"– "God is Good." Dooda was the center of our lives – her unbending faith, quiet strength, and unconditional love have always enveloped us, especially throughout this difficult journey. To you, Dooda, know that we will always "Love You More!"