Claire Ghoussoub Yammine

In Loving Memory of Claire “Calloura”

Our Calloura has left us, one month short of her 91st year. Her smile, a permanent fixture, was a testament to a life lived with wisdom, patience, and an unshakeable resilience. She met life’s every up and down with a loving heart, dispensing tenderness until her very last breath.

How do you measure such a woman? In her children. Each one carries her gifts: compassion, generosity, straightforwardness, and abundant joy. To be with them is a pleasure, a living reflection of her grace.

Her story began in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, the eldest of six, with a melodic voice that filled her school and church choir. Though she married young, she remained their affectionate, caring big sister. Her "Nassib" was a young man from her same exact village of origin “beit Chabeb” the handsome, ambitious Michel, being from Beit Chabeb was an added bonus for her father to accept him as her groom, together they built a warm and welcoming nest.

Their door was always open, their table a masterpiece of delicious food, hosted by Claire with natural ease.

She raised six children through the trials of Lebanon’s civil war, unphased by extreme circumstances. Her frame was petite, but her strength was solid as a rock. She was there when her son Elie was shot, standing by him for years until he was healthy, successful, and married to the wonderful Randa. She traveled by car all the way to Canada to care for her eldest, Hanaa, on her deathbed. When bombs hit her home, injuring her son Samir, she soldiered through and brought him back to health.

Immigrating to America was just another trial she conquered with love. Through death, divorce, and starting over, Claire and Michel’s home remained the safe haven for their six children and twelve grandchildren—a peaceful place where life’s most difficult decisions were made quietly.

Rest in peace, beautiful Claire. You taught us that simplicity, love, kindness, compassion, and wisdom are the only pillars of a great life.

Claire is predeceased by her daughter Hanna Yammine (d. 2005), her son Elie Yammine (d. 2023), her parents Saadalah and Adele (Hallit) Ghoussoub, her brothers Jean and Samir Ghoussoub, and her sister Jacqueline Ghoussoub.

Surviving are her beloved husband of 73 years, Michel Yammine; her daughter and son-in-law, Leila and Alain Chaoul of Lebanon and Marleine Yammine of Windsor; her sons and daughter-in-laws, Issa and Cindy Yammine of SC, and Samir and Jodie Yammine of Hamilton; her daughter-in-law Randa Yammine of Windsor; her brother George Ghoussoub of CA; her sister Leila Ayach of Lebanon; 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 11:00 am at St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church, Franklin Township. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Sharbel Church.

You may sign the condolence “guestbook” at www.crabiel.com. Arrangements are by The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 No Main St-at Riva Avenue, Milltown.