Emilie M. (Jammal) Bahnam

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday morning from 9-10:30 at the Carroll-Thomas Funeral Home, 22 Oak Street, Hyde Park.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11AM at Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon Church, 61 Rockwood Street, Jamaica Plain. Interment at Mt. Benedict Cemetery, West Roxbury.  Relatives and friends invited.    Please in lieu of flowers all donations in Emilie's memory can be made to Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon Church, 61 Rockwood St., Jamaica Plain.

Emilie M. (Jammal) Bahnam, affectionately known to all who loved her as Ida, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2024, at the age of 92 in Boston, MA. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, on February 1, 1932, Emilie's journey led her from the shores of the Mediterranean to the heart of New England, where she became a cherished member of her community.

Emilie's story began alongside her beloved husband, the late Manuel Bahnam, whom she married in 1948 at the tender age of 15 in Lebanon. Their love was a testament to commitment and partnership, lasting until Manuel's passing in 1999. Together, they nurtured a family that became Emilie's pride and joy. She was the devoted mother of Nasri Bahnam and his wife Nicole of West Roxbury, Wissam Bahnam of Las Vegas, NV, Ghassan Bahnam and his wife Jamilee of West Roxbury, and Ramzi Bahnam of Las Vegas, NV.

No role brought Emilie more happiness than being a "Teta," the loving grandmother to Marie-Joe, Mark, Beau, Gabrielle, Vanessa, Roy, and Rebecca. Her seven great-grandchildren also basked in the warmth of her love and the glow of her smile. Emilie's legacy continues through them and the many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends she leaves behind.

Emilie attended high school in Lebanon, where she cultivated her sharp mind and kind spirit. Her journey to the United States in 1977 marked the beginning of a new chapter. She brought with her the rich traditions of her Lebanese heritage, which she lovingly preserved and shared with her family and friends. Emilie's hands were skilled, and her heart was generous; she worked as a seamstress for a clothing company in West Roxbury for many years, but her true vocation was taking care of her family.

Cooking was Emilie's love language. She relished in the joy of cooking for holidays, preparing sumptuous Lebanese dishes that filled her home with tantalizing aromas and her family with warmth. Her grandchildren, in particular, cherished the time spent hanging out with their Teta, whose meals were synonymous with togetherness and celebration.

The words that best describe Emilie are loving, kind, and gentle. Her gentle demeanor was a comforting presence to all, and her kindness was a beacon that guided her family through life's ups and downs. Emilie's love was a nurturing force that empowered her children and grandchildren to grow into compassionate individuals.

Emilie's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of love, care, and cultural heritage. She was a beacon of light who led by example, showing what it means to embrace life with a loving heart and open arms. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive through the stories told around dinner tables and the laughter of her descendants.

As we bid farewell to Emilie M. (Jammal) Bahnam, we celebrate the life of a woman who was the epitome of love and kindness. Her gentle spirit and unwavering love have left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. Emilie's life was a testament to the enduring power of love, the strength of family bonds, and the joy of cultural heritage. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.

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