Josephine Hallak

Ms. Josephine Hallak, age 58, of Utica, passed into the Lord’s hands peacefully on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at the Siegenthaler Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Alepo, Syria on March 1, 1950, Josephine was the daughter of the late Rizkallah and Emilie (Mardiros) Hallak. She was raised and educated in Zahle, Lebanon prior to relocating to the U. S. and to Utica in 1976. Josie was a dedicated daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and godmother. She cherished her family and especially treasured the time she shared with her nieces, nephews, and particularly her great-niece and great-nephew. She found great pleasure in traveling and was fluent in Arabic, French, and Spanish. One of her favorite pastimes was listening to Arabic and Spanish music. Josephine was a communicant of St. Louis Gonzaga Church, and at one time a member of the St. Joseph Society and the St. Mary’s Guild. Josephine is survived by her sons, Jacobo Monayseti of Utica, and George Monayseti of Venezuela; her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Maria Hallak of Miami, Florida; her sisters and brother-in-law, Jeanette and Assad Charbel, and Camilia Jakubowski, all of Utica; her nieces and nephews, Roy Hallak, Emile and Carrie Charbel, Paul Charbel, Cynthia Jakubowski, Jennifer Jakubowski who is also her goddaughter, Assad Ghieh, Kama Ghieh, Tony Ghieh, George Ghieh, and Andre Ghieh; her cherished great-niece, Olivia Jane Duff; and her great-nephew, Aiden Emile Charbel. She is also survived by her aunt, Alice Tahan of Miami, FL; and several cousins in the United States and Lebanon. She was predeceased by her sister, Marie Therese Ghieh. The family offers a sincere thank-you to their pastor, Father Bassam Saade and Deacon Paul Salamy for their spiritual support and guidance. A special note of gratitude is extended to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for the gentleness shown to Josephine and her family during this difficult time. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Prayer of Incense will be offered at 3:30 at the funeral home. By family request please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Josephine’s honor to St. Louis Gonzaga Church or Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Josephine’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Bassam Saade, Pastor. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Josephine Hallak

March 1, 1950 - April 10, 2008