Samira Balesh

It is with great sadness that the family of Samira (Baleche) Balesh, 93, from Coppell, TX, announce her passing on Sunday, October 15, 2023. Samira was born in Zahle, Lebanon, on January 11, 1930, to Michel and Marie Baleche. She graduated from High School in Zahle, where she loved learning to play piano and performing in class plays. On October 28, 1950, she married her husband, Chiffie, settling in Oak Park, IL, for the next 26 years. After raising five of their seven kids in Oak Park, Samira and Chiffie retired to El Paso, TX, with the two youngest kids, where she lived for the next 28 years. After the passing of Chiffie, Samira spent the last 20 years living in Coppell, TX, with her son. Samira had many hobbies and interests, ranging from her love of cooking Lebanese food to painting, needlepoint, knitting/crochet and collecting Hummel/Lladro figurines. She also spoke four languages fluently. Samira took so much pride in teaching her students to knit & crochet in a class specifically developed for her to teach at The University of Texas at El Paso. Aside from raising seven kids, she also managed our apartment complex in Oak Park for many years as well as being a restaurateur, where she helped her brother run the Hollywood Café in El Paso. Samira was preceded in death by her husband, Chiffie Balesh, and two sons, Dr. Albert Balesh and Dr. Edward Balesh, and will be lovingly remembered by her sons and daughters: Louise (Dave), Carol (Assem), Robert, Philip, and Rena. Samira will also be forever remembered by her Granddaughters Carina, Monica, Chelsea & Hana, as well as her dear friends.

Resting at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn where Services will take place Thursday October 26 at 12 noon.

Interment St. Mary Cemetery.

Visitation Thursday October 26, from 10 am until the time of Services at 12 noon.