Hanan (Gharghour) Rizkalla

Hanan (Gharghour) Rizkalla, 65, of Worcester passed away peacefully Thursday, March 9th 2017, with her devoted husband and family by her side after a brief illness.  Hanan was born in Hadath, Lebanon, a daughter of Elias and Marie (Zeilah) Gharghour.   In 1973, Hanan married her love, Checri B. Rizkalla, and lived in Worcester, where they have dedicated their lives to one another and their family for the past 43 years.   For the past 18 years, Hanan was an insurance claim supervisor for the Nationwide Insurance Company, formerly Harleysville Insurance, retiring September 26th three months early due to illness.  She previously was a school teacher in Lebanon. Hanan is survived by her husband Checri "Chic” Rizkalla;  her two children she cherished, Paul Rizkalla and Andria Gabis, both of Worcester;  three grandchildren, Alexa Rizkalla, Nicholas and Zachary El-Dahr; two brothers, Antoine Gharghour and his wife Arlete of Worcester, Ibrahim Gharghour and his wife Najat of New York; a sister, Hayat Assaf and her husband Jacques of West Roxbury;  Her mother in law, Mary (Ansara) Rizkalla of Worcester; many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in law and extended family members. Hanan was very spiritual and religious; She loved her faith, her family and her friends.  Selfless in life, Hanan always thought of others before herself;  her husband and children always came first in her life no matter what.  She was their backbone and remained devoted to her nearest and dearest, especially her beautiful grandchildren, who fondly called her “Sitto” Hanan.  She also enjoyed going out with her work friends and being a wife, mother and especially a grandmother.   She will be greatly missed. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Thursday, March 16th from 5pm to 8 pm and again from 9:00 am to 9:45 am Friday March 17th in St George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna St.  Her funeral service will follow at 10:00 am.   Burial will be in Hope Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street 01604.  THE MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.