Saydeh Alwan

Saydeh Alwan, 95, of Peoria, IL, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Saydeh was born to Youssef and Mariam Lahood Romanus on July 18, 1927 in Itoo, Lebanon. She married Gerges Antonios Alwan in May of 1944. He proceeds her in death, along with her parents, 10 brothers, and 3 sisters.

She is survived by her 9 children: Marie (the late Youssef) Alwan, Wadad (the late John) Salem, Antoun (Karmita) Alwan, Souad (Lahoud) Sous, Bishop Hanna Alwan, Most Reverend Khalil Alwan, Henri (Teresa) Alwan, Eva (Jim) Garrabrant, and Janet (Craig) Rocke. Also surviving are her 20 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

She was a dedicated member of the Itoo Society and St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church in Peoria, IL.

A Catholic Mass Burial will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church in Peoria, IL.  The visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at the church, with Recitation of the Rosary at 7:30 pm. An additional visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church, beginning at 10:00 am on March 9, 2023. Entombment will be at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "FBO Saydeh Alwan Memorial Fund" established at CEFCU. Contributions will be used for memorial masses and towards the benefit of the people of Itoo.

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The late, virtuous Saydeh Alwan was born in 1927 in the town of Itoo (Lebanon), to Youssef and Mariam Romanos. Circumstances did not allow her, like many girls of her generation, to get an education. In return, God granted her many qualities such as poise, common sense, good judgment, and the ability to adapt to all circumstances and situations. She lived a life of strong faith, love for the poor, piety, humility, meekness, and the constant pursuit of peace by encouraging reconciliation among people.

At the end of World War II, in 1944, she married her lifelong companion, Gerges Alwan. They pledged loyalty, love, and to work hand in hand to start a Christian family, not minding the dangers and woes of war nor economic hardship. God blessed them with four sons and five daughters.

They decided to leave Lebanon in 1972 just before the start of the Lebanese war.  Wanting to give their family the opportunity for a better life, they all traveled to the United States and settled in Peoria, Illinois. The difficulties of being away from home, adapting to a new environment, learning a foreign language, and establishing a new home did not stop them from securing a decent and honorable life for their family and a promising future for their children.

Saydeh and Gerges lived out their vocation of marriage in complete harmony for sixty years. Their children and relatives never witnessed a single disagreement between the two throughout their marital life, rather they witnessed their love, tenderness, and solidarity in the darkest and most difficult circumstances.

Her journey as a wife was marked by three characteristics that defined her. First, she was "the truly capable woman," as described in the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 31: 10-31). God gave her the grace of insight to face difficulties and problems with calmness, patience, and good judgment. Her husband trusted her with complete and absolute confidence in managing all the affairs of the home. Coming from humble means, Gerges and Saydeh instilled the importance of education and culture within their children. Even as the family tree grew to 85 members, they would invite everyone to gather in their home almost on a weekly basis. Many perceived this as a tribute to the unity among them and to deepen the love that united them.

Secondly, she was a watchful mother. Saydeh was committed to raising her children on Christian and patriotic values, and sought to instill in them the Lebanese customs and traditions she inherited. She continuously encouraged her children to raise their own families with these same values. Through her care of each family member, she carried the concerns and grievances of all, comforted them, encouraged them, and prayed for them. Despite the language barrier, she was still able to connect with all through her universal language of love and faith.

Finally, she was a virtuous woman. Since Saydeh's early childhood, she was devoted to participation in the divine sacrifice and daily recitation of the Rosary and other prayers through memorization. At the age of 80, she learned to read so she could continue to pray the prayers that her memory could no longer retain. She was one of the initial members of St. Sharbel Church in Peoria, and always provided support for the needs of the parish, while encouraging her family to do the same. In the last years of her life, she would invite all her children to a weekly gathering to recite the Rosary together.

It is said, "You will be able to tell them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16). Saydeh prayed for her children to faithfully fulfill their vocation. The Lord answered her prayers, as He adorned her house with the sacred priestly vocation and Christian marriages. She willingly, lovingly, and joyfully took pride in her twins Khalil and Hanna, joining the consecrated life of The Congregation of Lebanese Maronite Missionaries and their continued achievement while serving the whole Catholic Church throughout the world.

Saydeh's greatest legacy is her faithfulness. She was a grandmother to all, a staple of her community, and an example to all generations. Even in her final years, after time had taken a toll on her body and the pandemic prevented her from attending church, she devoted the rest of her days to prayers, reciting the Rosary, and sharing in the Divine Liturgy through technology. She fulfilled her religious duties and has now gone to rest in peace, in the hope of a glorious resurrection.