Eva Marie Najjar “Nana”
AUGUST 31, 1920 – FEBRUARY 17, 2019
Eva Marie Najjar, 98, of Brooklyn, NY, completed her journey into God’s hands on February 17, 2019, with her family by her side. Born Eva Marie Shkan on August 31, 1920 in Fayetteville, NC, Eva was the second child of Farjallah (Fred) and Jamelia Shkan. She had two brothers (George and Edwin) and two sisters (Genevieve and Agnes). After living in Dunn, NC as a young child, the family moved to Brooklyn, NY when Eva was nine years old. She was an excellent student but had to leave high school to help support the family.
Eva worked at the Jerro Shoe Factory where she met her future husband George (Jigger) Najjar. During World War II, Eva worked as a nurse’s aide caring for patients at Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, while Jigger served in the Army. After the War, on August 24, 1946, Jigger and Eva married, and two years later bought their home at 561 Ninth Street in Brooklyn, which they shared with Sophie Najjar (Jigger’s sister and “Amama” to their children). George and Eva raised five fabulous children, who went on to create their own families: Marianna (Harry), Adrienne (Jeffrey), George (Deborah), Kenneth (Mary), and Veronica. Eva was also blessed to have ten grandchildren: Justin (Jeff), Matthew (Soraya), Kaitlin (Joseph), Jemila (Carrie), Andrew (Lauren), Sarah, Emily, Audra (Nabeel), Alanna, and Ruby and one great-granddaughter (Lena Marie) who have enjoyed and cherished their “Nana” for many years.
After raising her family, Eva returned to work for investment organizations on Wall Street. After retirement, Eva continued working in a volunteer capacity as an officer of the Methodist Hospital Auxiliary, where she was honored as Auxiliarian of the Year in 2005 and received their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
While Eva called the same 561 Ninth Street address her home for over 70 years, she traveled the world, and experienced many national and global changes during her 98 years of life, including living through the Great Depression, World War II, 9/11, and 17 Presidents.
She has been and continues to be an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was a unique person who lived her life with elegance, dignity and grace.
Friends may call at the Joseph G. Duffy Funeral Home 255 9th St., Brooklyn, NY, on Wed. 7-9 p.m., Thurs. 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Saviour R.C. Church, Friday at 9:30 a.m., followed by burial at St. John’s Cemetery.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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