Violette (Hajjar) Tahan

WHITESBORO - Violette (Hajjar) Tahan, whose blessed Christian name was chosen by her mother, age 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026, when God called her to her eternal home. At the time of her transition, she was so comforted to be in the familiarity and dignity of her home, being cared for by her family with great love and reverence. Born in Aleppo, Syria, on June 11, 1932, Violette was the cherished daughter of the late Michael and Adjiba (Balbouse) Hajjar. In November 1949, she married Joseph S. “Joe” Tahan after a respectful courtship in the traditional style. She quickly realized he was a reliable man of his word, and she found peace and security in the deep love they shared. Her heart belonged to him, just as his belonged to her, and together they embarked on a beautiful journey and lifelong partnership that spanned 65 years until Joe’s passing on February 18, 2015. Following his death, their children remained devoted to her, always by her side as a loving team, advocating for all her needs and ensuring she was never alone. As a young woman, Violette came to the United States during one of the coldest seasons, and was welcomed by her in-laws in Utica. They first lived on Conkling Avenue, then Taylor Avenue, followed by Jewett Place. Violette quickly learned English, obtained her driver’s license, and became a beautician. Eventually she and Joe relocated to the Whitesboro area, residing in several homes over the years. Never attached to material possessions, Violette embraced each change with grace. No matter where they lived, they always maintained a deep respect and connection with newfound neighbors, the community, and those of their native land. They never forgot their family back home and even welcomed many relatives to the United States. Violette remained in close contact with her cousins and childhood family, playing a central role in supporting her siblings in every way possible and keeping them together. Always energetic, she welcomed friends who became family with an open heart. Bringing people together came naturally to her and was a true expression of her generosity and kindness. Violette was admired for her beauty, both inside and out; her stylish and graceful presence mirrored the gentleness of her soul. Wise and perceptive, she recognized the needs of others and met them with warmth and charm. Joy radiated from her heart, and her humble, magnetic nature left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Some of the greatest gifts she imparted to her family were her native Arabic language, celebrating and singing the traditional songs, and delicious customary foods. She was an incredible chef and baker, two arts she learned from her father and Nanny, her husband’s mother. Everything she did, she did with confidence. Where other people would see a problem as a mountain, she would see it as a mole hill. She had an excellent work ethic and was masterful with a needle, sewing clothing from her vision of a pattern, and knitting. She was masterful at multitasking on so many levels. Along with her many other responsibilities, Violette was also an independent hairdresser. She was a wise and astute businesswoman who saw clients every day. The most important people in Violette’s life were her children. She taught them how to move ahead in life with class and dignity. She stressed education and the need to find – and have the courage to find – freedom and a future for their hearts and minds. Each child was introduced to promises of hard work being rewarding – the same values that were shared with her by her parents. As a mother, she was fair with her children, spreading her love and concern evenly among them. Violette lived each day to the fullest, meeting physical challenges with calmness, and boundless determination. She faced every obstacle with confidence, rising to them spiritually and emotionally. Captivating and dedicated, she was a beacon of inspiration to many. Her world was vast and inspiring, and as an influential presence, she was guided solely by love and a sense of duty. Violette loved to travel with her husband, Joe. Together, they explored many places in Europe, including a memorable trip to Italy, where they had the extraordinary opportunity to have a papal visit with Pope John Paul II for which they were forever grateful. In her later years, she returned to Syria with her children, showing them the places of her childhood. She always remembered the bright days spending time at her son Al’s camp in Cleveland, on the North Shore of Oneida Lake. Meals galore were the center of every gathering. As a matter of fact, people were not happy if they were not invited! She also especially cherished trips to Florida, where she was once again surrounded by many members of her family. The hallmark of her life was her large and extended family, through whom her love, values, and spirit continue to live on. Violette’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of the Syrian American Club, the Nocturnal Adoration Society, St. Mary’s Guild, and the Rosary Society, and she participated in numerous pilgrimages and retreats to shrines and churches. She prayed each night and maintained a powerful, personal relationship with God. Guided by her faith, she faced life’s challenges without fear and embraced the Father’s will. As a devoted member of St. Louis Gonzaga Church, she believed in the power of prayer, which sustained her throughout her life. One of her deepest regrets was accepting her declining health, knowing it would force her to leave behind the family that meant everything to her on this earth as she became part of the next. A quotable Arabic phrase that Violette often cited, especially while cooking large meals for family gatherings, translates in English as, “What we eat is gone, but what we give away remains.” She believed generosity was the key to a good life, that what we do for ourselves alone dies with us, but what we do for others remains and is immortal. Nothing was more precious to Violette than her children and their spouses, Mary M. Tahan and her fiancé Keith Gros, Bernadette A. and James Quenneville, Genevieve M. Tahan, Albert J. “Al” and Theresa Tahan, and George P. Tahan and the late Siobhan (Sweeney) Tahan; grandchildren, Milton and Alia Barell, Jason and Katie Barell, and Matthew Barell; Justin Keyes and Margaret Tahan, twins Joseph H. and Veronica Tahan, and Albert G. Tahan and Salina Suy-Tahan, Jack O., and Tate N. Tahan, Timothy and Lacey Devereux, Edward and Stephanie Wilson; and great-grandchildren, Bennett, and Lorelai Barell, Jack, and Emmeline Barell, Violette Barell, Dylan, Claire, and Emmie Keyes, Theodore, Joseph, and Gabriel Tahan, Gavin, Merick, Ryder, and Camden Devereux, Finnley, and Emmett Wilson, Madison, and Avery Lints, and Hayden, and Riley Noon. Violette is also survived by her dear younger brother, Niam Hajjar, with whom she shared a special bond. She remained a guiding and supportive sister to Niam in a way only a sister could. During her life, she held close to her heart the memories of her brother and sister-in-law, George and Anita (Namy) Hajjar, her sister, Maggie Kowiatek and her sister and brother-in-law Nadia and Mickey Gulla, all of whom preceded her. Her loss is also felt by many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins in Montreal, Syria, and Australia; and a host of treasured friends gathered throughout her lifetime, especially her childhood friend from their time in Syria throughout their lives in the United States, the late Georgette Baccash and her family; Marcell Rawda, with whom Violette was as close as sisters; and Georgette Nehme, a cherished and treasured longtime friend. Violette was further predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert and Genevieve (Srour) Tahan; and her in-laws, Sister of Charity, Rita born Mary Tahan, Elinor Tahan, Susan Kassis, Jeanette and Jewell Roberts, Anthony and Alice Tahan, James and Rose Tahan, John George Tahan, and Emma and George Winn. Violette was deeply grateful for the care her children provided her with such outstanding compassion, a quality of which she was immensely proud. She also cherished the support of her niece, Lisa Metacarpa; her close family friend, John Mariano; her cousins Salem and Katia Makarri; and a remarkable team of five incredible and empathetic women who assisted her in her time of need. The faith and devotion of Father Boutros El Hachem was delivered with such reverence and so gratefully received by Violette and her family. The kind acts of faith by the fellow members of St. Louis Gonzaga Church will always be cherished by the Tahan family, for all their spiritual needs and desires were so lovingly met. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Prayer of Incense will be offered at 6:45 p.m. prior to the conclusion of visitation. Out of respect and in honor of those who care for others in their time of need, it would be Violette's wish that memorial contributions in her honor be considered to the Abraham House online at theabrahamhouse.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Violette's funeral service which will commence on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, 520 Rutger St., where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Boutros El Hachem. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery alongside her beloved husband, Joe.

Violette (Hajjar) Tahan

June 11, 1932 - February 2, 2026