Laurice Abou Bechara

In Loving Memory

With deep love and gratitude for a life filled with love, faith, and devotion, we remember Laurice Abou Bechara, who entered into eternal rest on March 6, 2026 at the age of 95.

Laurice was born on September 14, 1930, officially recorded in 1931, in Damascus, Syria, to Nicholas and Marie Zahlaoui who instilled in her a strong foundation of faith and deep love for family—values that would guide her throughout her life.

In her young years, Laurice lost her mother at the age of 12. Influenced by her older sister Eugenie, Laurice flourished into a poised and elegant lady, her charm captured the attention of Nammour who would marry her at age of 15. She moved to Zahle, Lebanon where her & her husband started their life together and raised her family, with five children, grounded in perseverance, faith, and devotion.

Unfortunately, Laurice lost her oldest son Fares when he was 17 years old. She suffered from his loss for years. Her strong faith and belief in the resurrection helped her carry God's will in her heart and continued to support her family despite her pain.

Due to the war in Lebanon the family moved to Sacramento in 1978. Being in a new country, Laurice was the perfect example: a tenacious and strong woman who learned the English language, learned to drive and did all she could to take care of herself and her household.

Laurice dedicated much of her life to caring for her family. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcomed and cherished. Her kitchen was often the heart of her home, where delicious meals were her way of showing her family and friends how much she loved them and to her "how much one ate, showed the amount of their love "-translation from an Arabic proverb.

Her husband Nammour passed away in 2001, and she carried on with her strong Catholic faith that was the cornerstone of her life. Prayer was her daily companion, and she found great peace in attending Mass and entrusting her family to God’s loving care.

She was a great supporter of the founding of the Maronite Catholic Community in Sacramento, which later became Our Lady of the Rosary Maronite Catholic Church.

Those who knew Laurice remember her for her kindness, humility, and generous heart. She was the kind of person who loved everyone, quietly helped others, offered comfort in difficult moments, and celebrated the joys of life with sincere gratitude.

Laurice found joy in simple pleasures— cooking traditional family recipes, sewing clothes for her family members and spending time with her children and grandchildren, who were the greatest treasures and joy of her life.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren of which there are seven, great-grant children of which there are 15, extended family, and many dear friends whose lives were touched by her gentle presence.

Though our hearts grieve her passing, we are comforted by the faith she lived so beautifully. Her love and quiet strength will continue to guide those who were blessed to know her.

May she now rest in the eternal peace of God’s loving embrace.

Always in our hearts