Souhaila M. Arraje

Souhaila “Sue” M. (Hajjar) Arraje, 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 10th 2017, after a long illness.  Born in Mashghara, Lebanon, the daughter of the late Michael and Melia (Abou Arraje) Hajjar, Souhaila emigrated to Canada in 1956 and then to Worcester in 1958.  She was predeceased by her husband John in 2000.  She is survived by her daughters, Ann M. Edmonds of Dover, DE and Susan M. Arraje of Worcester with whom she lived. She also leaves her brother, Loutfi Hajjar of Ottawa, Ontario and sister, Salwa Harik of Gatineau, Quebec, five grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Paula A. Lewis in 2012, her infant son John Jr., her brothers Elias of Lebanon and Chafic of Brazil.   Souhaila enjoyed various activities in her lifetime.  She worked as a hairdresser for many years, as a substitute teacher of foreign languages in the Worcester Public Schools, eventually earning her BA at Worcester State College.  She also worked at Paul Revere Insurance Company for many years.  She was a longtime member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and was an active RSVP volunteer at the Worcester Senior Center.  She was an excellent cook of traditional Lebanese foods and will be greatly remembered for the many meals shared around her kitchen table. She loved traveling, both abroad and locally.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.   Calling hours will be held at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St. on Monday, November 13th from 4pm - 7pm.  The Funeral Rite will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 256 Hamilton St. on Tuesday, November 14th at 10am.  Entombment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum. The family requests that flowers be omitted.  Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.