Afaf Ballout's Obituary
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إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
In the Name of God, the Merciful the Compassionate...
to God we belong and to Him we return
With submission to God's will, we announce the passing of
Afaf Abou Chahine Ballout 1932-2025
Im Hisham was born in Bmariam, Matn, Lebanon, and grew up with the spirit of a warrior at the “Orphanage Home” in Abey.
From those early days, she carried resilience like a badge of honor, a heart overflowing with compassion, and a faith that could move mountains or at least make life’s challenges look easy. She dedicated many years to shaping young minds as a teacher in Lebanon, including L’École des Soeurs De Saint Coeur in Hammana. When retirement came in 1983, she embarked on her next great adventure by joining her children in the United States.
Our mom was the beloved wife of the late Salem Youssef Ballout, her partner in love and life’s adventures. Together, they raised a remarkable family that blossomed into twenty grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.
She was much more than a mother and grandmother; she was the heart, soul, and laughter of every gathering. She thrived in big crowds, wowed everyone with poetry recited from memory, and had a quick wit that kept smiles and chuckles flowing. Even in her final days, her warmth, wisdom, and humor shone brightly reminding everyone how to live fully and joyfully.
She passed away peacefully in Millbrae, California, surrounded by family. Our mom’s legacy lives on not only through her family but in the endless laughter, love, and life lessons she shared so generously.
She is survived by her children:
Hisham, Hind BouSalman, Rabiha Abi-Chahine, Hady, Hoda Boushakra,
Haitham, and Rabih, along with her 20 grandchildren and 13 great-
grandchildren.
A Celebration of her Life begins at:
2:30pm on Saturday 10/04
At Skylawn Memorial
888 Lifemark Rd Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Reception will follow
Following the celebration, her remains will be transported to Bmariam,
Lebanon to be laid to rest next to her husband Salem because some love stories truly never end.
What’s your fondest memory of Afaf?
What’s a lesson you learned from Afaf?
Share a story where Afaf's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Afaf you’ll never forget.
How did Afaf make you smile?
