Mrs. Frances Ghanem Asfour
February 19, 1930 ~ May 27, 2024
Born in:
Haifa, Palestine
Resided in:
Formerly of Weirton, WV
Frances Ghanem Asfour (aka Francoise, Francesca, Francie, Mom, Teta) completed her calling of creating a beautiful family and welcoming friends and strangers to her ever-expanding table on May 27, 2024.
She was born on February 19, 1930 in Haifa, Palestine, one month after her father (Francis) tragically passed. Because of her family’s circumstances, she and her mother (Marie), and her sister (Carmelle) lived part of her childhood with her uncle and cousins, whom she loved throughout her life as siblings and best friends.
She was educated by French Carmelite nuns, who frequently disciplined her for her spirited nature and ability to keep her peers laughing.
Her beauty and spunk caught the eye of Shukri Asfour when he caught her stealing oranges from his trees. They married on April 28, 1946, when she was sixteen years old. Shukri was the only man to ever steal her heart. He built them a home on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Haifa, and they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Leila (Sami Chamma.) In 1948, Francoise and Shukri were among the over 750,000 Palestinians killed or displaced during the Nakba (the catastrophe). They fled with their baby daughter and their extended family to Beirut, Lebanon seeking safety and leaving their home and belongings behind. While there, they welcomed a second daughter named Fadia/Fay (Gregory Stump, of Hedgesville, WV). As it became apparent to the young couple that they could never return to their beloved home, they launched plans to fulfill other dreams. In 1955, they and their two daughters were among 1,000 Palestinian refugees granted visas to immigrate to the United States during the administration of President Eisenhower. After bidding farewell to their families, many who eventually also immigrated to destinations throughout the world, they became passengers on a cargo ship that led them to a home in Weirton, West Virginia.
Shocked at first about the grit and dust of a booming steel mill in their new home, which contrasted sharply from their beautiful home in Haifa, Frances was initially concerned at how this place would ever feel like home. She and her family were quickly and consistently welcomed by the warm, multiethnic community. Seven months after their arrival, they welcomed their only son, Joseph Anthony (Joyce DeLaquil, of Land O Lakes, FL), the first U.S. citizen in their family. Five years later, they too became proud U.S. citizens, never missing an opportunity to cast their votes.
As her husband worked as a carpenter to help them become established, Frances worked various jobs to help support her family. She widened her circle of friends in Weirton as a cook at The Knights of Columbus and Madonna High School. Despite working outside the home at times, she always greeted her husband with a beer in a chilled mug and peanuts when he returned from work and often had dinner ready not just for him, but also for her children and grandchildren.
Shukri built another home for his family on Donnell Street in Weirton, about the same time that plans were under way for Saint Joseph the Worker Church nearby. The neighborhood and church community became the new home Frances longed for. She was an active member of the church, joining other women as Christian Mothers who became close friends as they cooked for various events, studied scripture, attended the grandchildren’s class masses, and swapped vegetables and recipes. Weekend nights were often spent playing canasta, passing an Arguili (water pipe), and throwing bocce balls. These friends became her family in her new world.
The sense of longing for community as a newcomer in the United States created in her the desire and ability to welcome many to her home for a meal. She was famous for cold calling newcomers with Middle Eastern last names and inviting them for dinner. When anyone in her life struggled, she showed up before they even knew they were hungry with food to nourish them. Hospitality was her gift and anyone who knew her experienced the warmth and delicious cuisine that were fruits of that gift.
On her 38th birthday, Frances welcomed the biggest and best surprise of her life, a daughter named Lisa Marie (George Flaifel, of Markham, Ontario), who kept her young and
active for many years.
Of the many adventures Frances took in her life, one of her favorites was caring for her ten grandchildren. She babysat the eldest in her home and traveled to help care for the others and spend extended time with them. She attended sporting events, made favorite meals, did their laundry, and knitted blankets for their babies. She is lovingly remembered and celebrated as the queen of her family by these ten grandchildren: Nina Chamma Johnson (Mark) of Denver, CO; Nicole Stump Sergent (Brent) of Martinsburg, WV; Tania Chamma (Kamran Bolourchi) of Berre Le’Tang, France; Gregory Stump (Rebekah Wolfe) of Boise, ID; Charlie Asfour (Rebecca McFarland) of Lake Forest, IL; Monica Asfour Hanson (George) of Wayzata, MN; Jarrod Asfour (Grace Stevenson) of Park Ridge, IL; Marissa Asfour Martschinke (Joseph) of Park Ridge, IL; Stephanie Flaifel Harris, (Mark) of Kitchner, Ontario, Canada, and Joseph Flaifel (Sundy Zheng) of Toronto, Ontario. Her grandchildren basked in the glory of her ability to be their friend as adults and enjoyed her stamina to celebrate life with them for many years.
“May you live to see your children’s children.” (Psalm 128:6) Frances was blessed beyond measure by living to see her fourteen great-grandchildren: Simon and Nathan Johnson, Gabriella and Leila Grace Sergent, Cooper and Kennedy Stump, Raleigh and Benjamin Asfour, Lili Rose Chamma Bolourchi, Gabriel and Elijah Hanson, Theo Asfour, and Jack and Claire Francoise (her namesake) Harris. They enjoyed and laughed at the occasional embarrassment of their great Teta’s adoration, shenanigans, and one-line zingers.
Frances was a constant caregiver and selflessly gave incredible care to her mother Marie, husband Shukri, daughter Leila, and son-in-law Sami who all preceded her in death after long illnesses. Despite the heartbreaking pain of these losses, she honored their memories by living each day fully and lovingly.
To Frances, her family was her priority and her largest source of pride. She was never happier than when the family gathered, and that family extends to nieces, nephews, and cousins surviving her throughout the US, Canada, Australia, France, Lebanon, and Kuwait. She loved traveling to enjoy family events with them and planned “the menu” weeks before they visited her. She was often the life of every family party, well into her late 80’s.
Since 2015, Frances made her home with her daughter Fay and son-in-law Greg in Hedgesville, WV, where her outgoing nature served her well in adding new friends to her long list of people she has loved. Many of those friends helped her family to care for her during her last years along with a large team of dedicated in-home medical providers. The family is forever grateful for their compassion, patience, and tenderness. Their gift allowed her to enjoy her final years as independently and fully as possible, surrounded by the family she raised and so enjoyed.
Viewing will take place from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 3, 2024, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 2109 Sulphur Springs Road, Inwood, West Virginia, followed by funeral liturgy co-celebrated by Father Mario Claro and Father Alfred Obiudu.
In Weirton, West Virginia, viewing will also take place from noon to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street with Christian burial at St. Paul’s Cemetery to follow.
Arrangements are being made by Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home.
Because Frances often chose to care for others, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Frances’s memory to the United Palestinian Appeal, 1330 New Hampshire Ave NW, Suite 104, Washington, DC 20036, United States.
Hospice of the Eastern Panhandle. 330 Hospice Lane, Kearneysville, WV 25430 United States.
Share online tributes at www.grecohertnick.com
Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Frances Ghanem Asfour 's name.
May her memory be eternal🙏
Francie was a ray of sunshine with a sense of humor and sarcasm that always made us laugh. Her warmth ,love and beauty lives in all her children and grandchildren. We were blessed to have met Francie the Lioness and the extended family which were her PRIDE; through our wonderful friends and neighbours Lisa and George. May she rest now in peace .😔 Tom and Donna Pancharovski (Markham) our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Frances, a dear friend, a special lady with an amazing sense of humour and a big loving heart. We all loved Frances. You will always be in our hearts and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace with the Angels. 🙏🏻 Diana and Teddy
Oh, Fay….this breaks my heart but also makes me happy that she is free with your dad and Leila and her husband again. My memories begin in your basement where your mom was my scout leader. I still remember making a Christmas ‘log’ out of two tomato juice cans put together, cut in the middle (I don’t even remember how we did that), covered with plaster of paris, with (who knows, maybe forks??) lines to make the bark, painted brown and sprinkled with glitter, stuffed with Christmas foliage to bring home to our parents. I also remember the wonderful smells of your mom’s cooking. I’m not sure whether that started my life long love of Middle Eastern cooking but I’m sure it helped. Oh, she was a mighty woman and I will rely on her prayers for me now that she is closer to her God. I will miss her. Love to you and all of the Asfour family.
I remember the night the Shukri Asfour family arrived in Weirton. Uncle Shukri was my Father’s youngest brother, whom he had never met. We were thrilled to welcome Uncle Shukri, Aunt Frances, Leila and Fadia. Of course, Joe was a “stowaway” in that Aunt Frances was pregnant when they arrived. I will always remember the good times, and there were too many to count.
Dear Lisa and family,
We are thinking of you all of you during this difficult time.
With love
Anna and Junior
Rarely does a tribute capture the essence of a person. This one was so true and heartfelt. I do not remember meeting a more kind, welcoming person than your mother. The more giving she was, the happier she seemed. She took life’s heartbreaks and never lost her effervescent spirit; it seemed her faith and smile never wavered. She was one of a kind, and your loss is great. She made so many memories with her family, and I hope that will be comforting to you as you deal with this loss. It is so difficult to cope with losing the heart of the family. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Many happy memories on Donell Street. God bless you all as you celebrate her memory! You dad has waited so long to welcome her home. ❤️ Love to you all.
No more pain, no more suffering. You will always remain in our hearts. A most beautiful young lady has now gone home. May you rest in peace in the arms of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lisa, you have painted such an intimate look into your mom’s life and loves. Thank you for sharing it with all of us who didn’t know her so well. I am forever grateful that she had you! Her wonderful legacy will live on in you and your siblings and all your kids. God Bless all of you. I will keep you close to my heart.
May Frances’ light and legacy continue to shine thru her children, grandchildren and to all those who knew here. She was a special lady and loved by all who were blessed to share a meal with her.
Our prayers extend to the family- but especially to Nicole, Brent, Gabriella and Leila Grace.
Love,
Brad, Mary, Sophia and Mitchell
Dear Fay,
I am sad to learn of your mother’s passing. I can still hear her beautiful voice and remember her calm, soothing, gentle demeanor. It was an honor to know her. My love and prayers for all of you…..
Chris Lavorata
Dear Fay and Asfour family
What an incredible life story and tribute to your Mom. Knowing her, one would never guess the hardships that she overcame; her infectious laugh and warmth made her so special. It was a life well lived. Sending prayers to all of you for peace and healing. God Bless!
What a beautiful tribute to a truly special individual. I feel honored to remember Mrs Asfour standing on her front porch across the street, hand on her hip, calling Fay & Joey in for supper, and also to now realize her incredible life story. Warmest wishes of sympathy to all of your family.
Asfour Family, I have never known a kinder and sweeter woman. May she rest in our Lord’s arms forever. May her love continue to shine down on her family and friends.
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom and Grandmother. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Fay and family: I am so sorry and heartbroken to see your loss. I so loved your mom and will always have great memories when we were kids. She would always smile and blow me a kiss in church! May she rest in peace with the rest of her family.
Dear Lisa and Asfour family
What a wonderful life story your mother/Teta has had. Her inner strength and compassion towards family and community must have been an inspiration for all family members to follow.
She will be missed but I am sure she lives on in the sparkle of her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s eyes.
Rest in peace Teta Frances
Jean, Brian Harris and family
Fay, Lisa, Joey and Family
What a lovely and special homage to Frances, her fortitude and love of life. She was an icon to those who were around her. Her table was always set, the refrigerator full, and no one was ever left out of a Mediterranean meal! Her home always felt like a second home to me. How fortunate I was. John and I will miss visiting with her, but know she is happy and at peace now.
Love to all of you,
John and Francine Swiger
Lisa, George and Family
We are so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. We met her briefly once in Markham and she left a big impression on us. Please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Love,
Laila and Tony
What a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to Frances’ legacy. Our hearts are saddened, but we always remember the get togethers at my Grandmother’s house under the huge maple trees and the many dinners and times we shared at Frances’ house. Prayers and sympathies to her family.
My sincere condolences to her family. She was such a wonderful lady.
Cheers, Teta and we’re drinking scotch on the rocks to celebrate!!! 🥃
I have many fond memories visiting Aunt Frances & Uncle Chuck during my childhood. They were always so welcoming and loving. The spread my aunt put out for everyone was always spectacular. So delicious. Good times. I know she will be missed by her family. But I also know God has welcomed her home, and that is very comforting. ❤️
Imane&Elias Soulbane
My sincere condoléances Dear cousins.
Thank you Frances for all the laugh, all the positive vibes Who guide me in my life.
Rest in peace Habibati near my mother (your sister Carmelle) you are in better place were there is no pain😢🙏🙏🙏
Fay Joe Lisa love you all cousins
Frances is unforgettable ❤️
Always in our heart
Lisa, I am so very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She sounded like an amazing woman. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Dear Lisa,
I am so touched by your mom’s story, people around her must have felt very loved by her, an incredible journey and she must have influenced many people’s lives, thank you very much for sharing. May peace and comfort be with you in this difficult time.
I will always be there for you!
Maggie
Maggie
My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Frances was such a dear friend to my family, I can’t say enough about her. She was a fierce, loyal, intelligent, interesting and hilarious woman! I miss her stories and her cooking. May you all find comfort in the many memories you have of her.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories. Frances will be missed.
Lisa, we are very, very sorry to hear of your mother‘s passing, keep you stronger, greatly loved, deeply missed! May she rest in peace! Blessed be God!
Love
Susan and Navy
Dearest Fay and Family,
We are all so very sorry for your loss.
My Dad Peter (your cousin and your Mum’s nephew) feels honoured to have met Frances for the final time, to chat with her and to share some memories, on his recent visit.
May she rest in eternal peace and be together again with her dear husband Shukri.
We are so very blessed and proud to be a part of your extended family.
We send our love and sincere condolences from the UK.
Jacqueline and Richard Sergeant, Peter and Anne Reed-Clayton
I am so happy I got a chance ro talk to this great woman. It was truly an honor. Your family is in my prayers.
Ramzi Sima Lara and Jake. We love you Teta Francie. Say hello to all we love in heaven.
Rest in eternal peace. xx
Dear Fay, Joe & Lisa,
It was such an honor to know such a beautiful woman as your mom. I have the fondest memories. When I asked her if she wanted something to drink, she always had that precious smile…scotch on the rocks. Because of your family, I was introduced to a beautiful culture so foreign from my Polish background. I loved your mom and her way of making us all laugh when we were together. A remarkable lady is in eternal peace with her husband & daughter.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother.
Sincerely,
Dawn
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother.
Fay, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I still remember fondly the time I had a wonderful Middle Eastern dinner at your house. Still the best stuffed grape leaves I have ever had. She was a wonderful and welcoming lady. Kathy and I will keep your family in our prayers.
Tom Williams
Indianapolis
Dear Fay and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your precious mother. The tribute for her is simply so sweet and loving, she must have been a special blessing to all who knew her. Sending all my love to you.
Carol (Fisher) Coiner
Frances and Chuck opened their home and their hearts to my parents, to my family and to Ronnie and me.
A cold beer, a warm welcome, an interesting story, wonderful food and lots of laughs. (Jokingly calling us “little brat!”
Teaching us to make baklava, hummus, tabhouli and those little pies.
Smoking the hubbly bubbly and drinking Turkish coffee.
Family and true friendship is all about love and that’s how we will remember Frances.
My heart goes out to Faye Joey and Lisa and all of the family. Love you 💚💚
Dear Lisa, loved ones and friends of the family,
Extending our sincere condolences for mom’s passing and wish you all continued strength, love and light in the days to come. What incredible foot prints and loving memories you will have to hold on to and pass along to the grandchildren.
Keep her thoughts close and memories top of mind always.
With our love
Shirley & Arnie Stobnicky
❤️