Mary (Ansara) Rizkalla

Mary (Ansara) Rizkalla, after 90 years of life, was called home to the Lord on Sunday, September 24th 2017 with the family she loved gathered by her side.  Mary was born in Aita-el-Fokar, Lebanon, one of seven children of Michael and Badeha (Dabaghe) Ansara.  Raised, educated and married in Lebanon, Mary with her husband and children immigrated to the United States and Worcester in 1970, where she went to work for her sister making Syrian/Lebanese delicacies for customers at Lee’s Bakery on Hamilton Street.   Mary has lived here ever since.  Mary’s husband Boulos Rizkalla passed away in 1994;   The matriarch of her family, she is survived by her six children, Checri Rizkalla of Worcester, Dorsi Hanna in Lebanon, Nemr “Tiger” Rizkalla in Florida, Hanne Kanaan and her husband William of Worcester, George Rizkalla of Worcester and Nancy Rizkalla with whom she lived; a brother, Andrew Ansara and sister, Lydia Abou-Assaly both of Worcester; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; Many nieces, nephews and extended family members both here in the U.S. and in Lebanon.  In addition to her husband, a son, Michael Rizkalla, grandson, George Kanaan,  daughter in law Hanan Rizkalla and siblings, Minerva Houssan, Deeb Ansara and Leah Peters all pre deceased her.  She was a member of Saint George Orthodox Cathedral, devoted to her religion and church, when able; Mary was a member of its women’s society and volunteer for church events.  She was a beautiful person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending time with family and friends, family dinners, helping watch her grandchildren, needlework and cooking.    Mary was the center of her family and devoted to their well-being and happiness.   Her unwavering faith in family kept her grounded and helped her through life's challenges.   Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Today, Tuesday September 26th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and again Wednesday, September 27th from 9:00 am to 9:45 am in St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street.  Her funeral service will follow at 10:00 am.   Burial next to her husband will follow in Hope Cemetery.   Memorial contributions in her name can be made to the St George Orthodox Cathedral endowment fund, 30 Anna Street. The Rizkalla family would like to thank the Umass-Memorial Lakeside ICU unit, Doctors and Staff  for the care, comfort, and compassion they gave to Mary during a difficult time.   The Mercadante funeral home & chapel, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.