In Celebration of

Jacqueline Marie Bittar

March 2, 1927 -  June 17, 2022


It is with a heavy heart that we share news that Jacqueline Marie Bittar (born Sekaly) departed her loving family June 17, 2022. Predeceased by her husband Marcel Joseph Bittar, loving mother to Irene Arnolis (Rene) and Guy (Cynthia) and proud grandmother to Alaunie Marie & Cyrus Marcel.

Born in Cairo, Egypt to Annette Marie & Socrates Joseph Sekaly, Jackie learned valuable skills at a young age as younger sister to brothers Roger & Raymond as well as navigating a strict upbringing at home, attending school with the nuns while growing up during the events of WWII. Her best friends, Simone & Paulette, became her sisters-in-law (lucky brothers) and, hence, a sisterhood was born.

Our mother Jackie has left us for her rightful place with the angels. According to her birth certificate, she was 95 years old but the mischievous glint in her eyes and infectious laughter was always assumed by anyone who befriended her to be from someone 20 years younger throughout all of her years.

Her marvelous recollection of bygone times often graced our family with stories and perspective of the incredible events she lived through during her younger years and bridged the gap with grandparents we never had the chance to meet. Mom made it a point to weave the multi-generational narrative of our accomplished extended family without bragging about it in the least bit.

Her courage was evident as she and dad sought a better life which spanned 4 countries. Each adventure’s struggles overcome with poise, love, and the confidence to see things through. Her fortitude and strength was bent but not broken as she figured out how to continue on once dad’s life was suddenly cut short almost 40 years ago.

She was a very positive, affectionate and loving soul who’s loyalty and support were never questioned. She mastered the art of nurturing and encouraged others to flourish in everything they aspired to.

During her 20 years employed at the McGill University Law Library as a library technician, she often assumed the role of surrogate mother to many of the students who spent countless hours preparing their studies and remained in contact with several until her final years. Of course, many colleagues became extremely close friends who often gathered and shared in laughter during their dining and “yakking” visits.

She was a voracious reader and truly had a green thumb throughout her years. She cooked & baked from her soul, sewed custom ordered gowns and dresses to perfection, learned woodwork, and stained glass which sit proudly in the homes of many friends and family members.

A kind-hearted and incredibly proud woman with grace, tenacity, devotion, patience and a strong will is now finally reunited & square dancing with the love of her life and laughing with her closest family members and treasured friends in Heaven.

Simply put, we’ll all miss her radiating spark but her spirit is eternal in all of us who were lucky to spend time with her despite the loss of her physical self.

All are welcome to visit and honour Jackie at Turner & Porter "Peel" Chapel, 2180 Hurontario Street, Mississauga on Friday June 24, 2022 starting at 12:00 noon. A celebration of her life will commence at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada in Jackie’s name.

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