Edna Razoog

Edna Razoog led an extraordinary life that spanned one century and two continents. Throughout her 100 years of life, Edna was known for loving her family and friends, and always putting the needs of others before her own.

The year 1904 was a year of excitement at the turn of the century. During the historic year, construction began on the Panama Canal, and Thomas Edison's early phonograph machine began to enter family's homes as the first flat-disc phonographic record was introduced and manufactured worldwide. It was in that same year that a young family an ocean away welcomed a new daughter into their lives. On February 21 Salem B. Bashara and Lemia (Ansara) Bashara became parents as Edna was born into their family in Lebanon.

Growing up as the oldest daughter, Edna would often help her mother by taking care of her younger siblings; she would also often run errands for her family such as going down to the town well to draw the daily water supply. A resourceful young woman, Edna quickly learned that she could advance in line when her sister Nazeema, who was boldier, put sand into the other's water jugs. When the person had to leave to clean their jug, Edna would simply take their place in line! Although Edna kept quite busy helping her family, she was also very dedicated to her studies, going to school in Lebanon until the eighth grade. Edna's greatest learning challenge, however, was not school but instead learning English when she was fourteen and her family decided to move to the US. A bright young woman, she transitioned well into her new language and new home, though she continued to love Lebanese culture and Arabic music throughout her entire life.

When Edna was twenty-one years old, she had fully adjusted to life in the United States, and a good friend decided to introduce her to a mutual friend named George Razoog. George and Edna were immediately attracted to each other and began to date for quite some time. Eventually the lovebirds decided they wanted to spend their life together and were married in 1925. Following the marriage, the Razoog family soon grew, and Edna proved to be a caring and dedicated mother. Devoted to her faith in God, she also served as a member of St. George's Antiochian Orthodox Church for most of her life. Although raising her children kept her busy, Edna was always happy to help-out in church; she volunteered many hours of service to the families of St. George and served as a member of the Ladies Golden Link Society. When Edna wasn't busy helping others, she also enjoyed using her creativity in a variety of hobbies including crocheting, sewing, cooking, and baking what was known to be the best Lebanese bread around! A true Lebanese lady, Edna's favorite foods were her homemade bread and Luban -- yogurt, and though she was not a collector of anything in particular, she was known to never throw anything away!

Edna was a strong woman whose amazing life spanned one hundred years, so it was only fitting that on her 100th birthday she was recognized on national television by Willard Scott, and was also celebrated on the Smucker's Jam jar for having 100 wonderful years of life. After a century spent with friends and family Edna Razoog passed away Sunday, May 30. 2004. She was preceded in death by her husband George and son George, Jr. Edna's memory will survive in the hearts of her daughter Dolores and husband Edward Ghareeb of Springfield, Mass.; grandchildren Cindy Hashim, Edward and Peggy Ghareeb, David and Kim Ghareeb, Gina and Kevin Maxlow, Michael and Rachel Razoog. eight great grandchildren and several nephews and nieces, including special nieces Joyce Hanna and Shirley Ansara. Friends may meet the family at the Van Strien – Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E. 49505 on Wednesday from 4-8P.M where a Trisagion service will be held at 7P.M. Funeral services Thursday at 11A.M. at St. George’s Antiochian Orthodox Church, 334 LaGrave S.E. with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Interment will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery. To read Edna's full lifestory, share a memory or make a memorial contribution to St. George's Church please visit Edna's homepage at www.lifestorynet.com.

Edna was a loving woman who enjoyed life most when she was surrounded by her family and friends at the kitchen table drinking coffee. She will be remembered for always keeping her coffee pot full and welcoming anyone who came to visit.