May passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones, after courageously battling cancer for over a year. She was a beloved teita, mother, sister, aunt and cousin to many members of the Kawar family. In passing, May is reuniting with her dear husband of 29 years, Issa.

In life, May was the matriarch who kept the family heritage and traditions alive, preserving the memories of old for the younger generations. She had a lifelong passion for learning and knowledge that she instilled in her four children. As a young adult, she insisted on going to university to learn economics, at a time when she was expected to marry and start a family instead.

She turned her education into a career in banking, eventually retiring as a financial advisor. As a people person, she was at her best helping clients solve their problems. She would come home so happy anytime she helped a young student secure the financing they needed to go to med school.

What May’s family and friends will probably most remember, however, is the wonderful dinner parties she would host. Nothing brought her more joy than cooking up a feast, even if it was for a small gathering — every occasion was special. She put her heart and soul into her dishes, knowing that she was nourishing her loved ones. Her home was always open, filled with warmth and delicious food.

May was a loving mother to Nayef/Nick (Rebecca), Basel (Liana), Luma and Leen, and an adoring teita to Hendrix, Gigi, Mélodie and Christian. She was the dear sister of Ribhi, Suad, Safa, Maha, Houssam and Georgi, having been predeceased by Salim, Tareq, Wajdi and Rabiha. Loving aunt, cousin, friend and neighbour. May was dearly loved by many friends and family around the world.

Her family would like to thank the teams at Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Temmy Latner Centre, and the many personal support workers and health care workers who helped her stay comfortable until the very end.

Cheers to our sweet mama May. We will love and miss you forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders Canada.