Lailia Goldie Houssian, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021, at the QEII Hospital, at the age of 90 years.

Lailia moved to Ceylon, SK, with 21 cashmere sweaters, matching handbags and stylish functional shoes. She was a new bride who had a keen sense of determination and independence that was passed on to her from her immigrant parents, who started a life in Bridgewater, N.S. Lailia was born to Mafoud “Charlie” and Dabeeha Joseph on March 29, 1931. She was the third child, with two sisters and three brothers. Her father was a peddler on the south shore of Nova Scotia, selling clothing and knick-knacks. Lailia’s mother, Dabeeha ran the home and instilled a great work ethic and cooking skills that would rival the best Lebanese restaurant. Lailia was a spunky girl who enjoyed growing up in their loving home with her five siblings and parents till she ventured out at age 25 to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to work in a high-class bridal shop. She had a love of fashion and a sense of style that she carried throughout her life.

Ed’s first glimpse of Lailia included her nimble hands mincing the meat for cabbage rolls. Ed actually sat down and helped her. That was the last time he helped out in the kitchen. It was Wednesday, and they were wed on the following Thursday. A record seven-day courtship resulted in a 64 year romance and marriage. Their humble beginnings included living in the family home, with seven sisters in-law, two brothers in-law and of course, her mother in-law. Ed was an ambitious young man who was a great provider, and after Lailia’s mother came to a visit and subtle persuasion, he provided Lailia with her own house. With the additional space and their own house, Ed and Lailia started their family. Medina and Drake were born in Radville, SK, and with Lailia’s encouragement and Ed’s entrepreneurial spirit, they left the family store and headed west, pausing at Grand Centre long enough to have Neiff, their youngest son join the family. It was 1962, Ed and Lailia bought a men’s wear store in High Prairie. They built a fulfilling life in this community while Ed grew his business, and Lailia created a home that was filled with friends, neighbours, relatives, kids, business people, friends of friends, distant relatives and whoever may need some loving words and a home-cooked meal.

Lailia’s words, “The door is always open” were spoken with sincerity and meant there was always room at the table for you and ten more. She spoke these words daily, with a beautiful smile and sparkling eyes that would reach right in and touch your heart. It would be impossible to add up all the meals that have been served at her table.

Lailia was more than a domestic engineer. She was able to juggle the demands of three children, their friends, coordinate an active social life, bake the best fatayer, grape leaves & authentic Lebanese dishes and contributing many volunteer hours to the community. She was the Provincial Ladies Hospital Auxiliary president, an executive member of the Royal Purple, Minor Hockey Mother of the year and customer of the year at St. John’s Fashion. They moved to Grande Prairie, AB, in 1980, allowing her to follow her children and start a new chapter that included supporting Ed with the start-up of a new men’s wear store, more family dinners and entertaining while she went to work at Townline with Uncle Alex. It was also a time that many special friendships were created and cherished right to the end.

Lailia had a special love for family, her own, and all she inherited and included as family. This loving circle included all of her own and so many others that she attached the title of aunty, uncle and even sister to. It was love, not lineage, that explained the relationship. If Lailia’s love has touched you, you understand this and the depth and breadth of this reach. The arrival of grandchildren and great-grandchildren provided Lailia with a distinct and extraordinary joy. Her love for this particular group was second to none, and there was nothing that Lailia loved more than giving time, rides, cookies, kisses, meals, presents and perhaps money. There was no end to the love she showered upon these children.

Lailia, also known as sitty, mom, sister, aunty, friend and neighbour, will be missed and cherished forever by all, especially Ed, her loving husband of 64 years. I love you Aduldinny.

Lailia was predeceased by her brothers: Ahmad Joseph, Neiff Joseph, and Yuseff Joseph; and sisters Sarah Lynk and Audrey Mcall,

A Private Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at 1:00pm. A Livestream will be available to view prior to the start of the service.

Condolences may be sent by visiting

www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2021-04-02
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

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