Lailia Goldie Joseph Houssian Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Lailia Goldie Joseph Houssian

March 29, 1931 - April 02, 2021

Obituary For Lailia Goldie Joseph Houssian

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.

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October 06, 2022

Bev Canaday

I remember buying men's jeans at Ed's Mens Wear and altering them for myself. I also babysat Saturdays for the Houssian's - the store was open til 9:00 on Saturdays. At that time, there were the three Houssian kids and 2 little ones who were living with them. I think they were Lalia's sister's (who had died) kids. Rest in peace Lalia - I remember all of you well.
June 24, 2021

Tranter Clint

My sincerest condolences to the Houssain family.
June 24, 2021

Lewis Jocelyn

Chris and I are sending our deepest condolences and lots of love and hugs. The obituary was lovely. I too was welcomed by Lailia into her and Ed's home for many meals. I always felt welcome, even though Drake usually brought me along with no notice.
June 24, 2021

Jones Gena

Doug and I would like to send our sincere condolences on the loss of this beautiful soul. She always made us feel special when she saw us and we clearly remember the time we were invited for a traditional Lebanese meal. We were treated so well and made to feel so special. We know how much you can miss a mother and we send thoughts and hugs. It was a beautiful obituary about a beautiful woman. Love Gena and Doug.
June 24, 2021

Kelly Daniel

Deepest condolences to Ed & family. Sorry for your loss.
June 24, 2021

Blackmore Janice & Steve

Sorry to hear of Lailas passing. The Houssain family were friends of our family in Ceylon. (CULLING) Fond memories ! Our Sincere Sympathy to the family❣
June 24, 2021

Jones Ronnie and Gail

We are so very sorry to hear about Lailia's passing. Hugs for you all. Hold on to all the sweet memories.
June 24, 2021

Winnicky Jodi

Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Laila. It had been a few years since we saw her at a celebration for Mom and Dad. She was always so warm, inviting and had the most beautiful smile. We know that she and Mom must be having all sorts of fun looking down on us now. We will be thinking of both of them when we make grape leaf rolls. May you all find peace in the legacy of family and love that she has provided.
June 24, 2021

Konelsky Dawn(Cam)

It is with a heavy heart that I hear of Aunty Lailia's passing. She taught me so much... a struggling teenaged girl trying to find myself... in the loving, kind way that way that was hers alone. We shared a birthdate and I have many fond memories of the amazing food she would prepare in her tiny kitchen. I changed for my wedding in Ed and Lailia's home and they always made me feel welcome. The world has lost a special person. To Uncle Ed, Medina, Drake, and Neiff I send my hugs. Sincerely, Cam
June 24, 2021

Marshall Olivia

Dear Ed, Medina, Drake and Neiff, My sincere condolence on the passing of Laila. She will be remembered for her kindness and beauty. May her memories carries you through your loss. I will remember her with fondness. Prayers to all of you. Olivia
June 24, 2021

Patterson Darin

Our deepest condolences to the entire Houssian family on the passing of Lailia, an amazing wife, mother and grandmother. While most of my interactions were with Drake and Neiff and later with Ed, Laila was always there with a warm friendly smile on her face. She was always there to support her children and of course Ed and the rest of the extended family.
June 24, 2021

Shibley Betty

Ed, and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Laila was loved by all and will be greatly missed. With love Betty Shibley and family.
June 24, 2021

Seede Joe and Gail

Dear Ed, Medina, Drake, and Neiff and families, Our deepest condolences on Lailiaâ??s passing. We have wonderful memories of our family visits , dinners and celebrations of weddings, and family reunions back in the day. How sad that our families have all moved away from each other. As we have aged, and lost our own parents and family members, there is an appreciation for all the people we loved. Lailaâ??s legacy will live on with all the people that she loved and shared her life with for years to come. She will be missed. Love Joe and Gail Seede and family.
June 24, 2021

Alaimoana Joe

Condolences to the family, everything said describes a wonderful and caring person, I always remembered when I came to Canada in 1999 Lailia and Ed took me in for my first rugby season...was introduced to the famous cabbage rolls and she always made me feel welcomed and make me feel at home. Always remember the kindness and gratitude and Lailia had such a big heart Alofa Atu mole Aiga...manuia Lou Malaga Lailia
June 24, 2021

Aitken Jacquie

Your wife was a beautiful woman ... so sorry to hear of your loss. Jacquie Aitken
June 24, 2021

Dreger Roxann

So sad to here of you Mom's passing. I always remember coming into the store Initial I thought she was a queen as she carried herself so regally. Her presence will be missed. So sorry for your loss.

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