Antoinette "Yvonne" (Chamoun) Rizkallah

Yvonne Rizkallah passed away peacefully in Halifax, Nova Scotia, surrounded by the people she loved most, leaving behind a lifetime of beautiful memories, endless laughter, and so much love.

Born on February 15, 1938, in Iskenderun, Türkiye, Yvonne’s life was a story of strength and resilience. After her family fled to Lebanon during the war, she later made the brave decision to immigrate to Halifax with her three young children to reunite with her eldest son, Rudy. Together, they built a life rooted in family, tradition, and unwavering faith, a life filled with love, laughter, and unshakable bonds.

Yvonne was deeply connected to her church and community. She poured herself into everything she did, from the Confraternity of our Lady of Lebanon Parish to the Lebanese Cedar Festival. She brought people together with her warmth and tireless dedication.

Yvonne had a passion for adventure and a love of travel. Whether she was in Halifax, Michigan, or Lebanon, she found joy wherever she went because she was always surrounded by those she loved most. The moment someone mentioned a trip, she was ready, a suitcase packed and a smile on her face. She had an incredible ability to make every journey special and every destination feel like home.

She spent many wonderful years working alongside Rudy at the family café. Customers adored her, and it’s easy to see why. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome, bringing her charm, humor, and signature personal touch to everything she did. Rudy often joked that the café wasn’t just busy; it was an adventure with her around. Yvonne’s style was to never leave the house without looking her absolute best. Whether she was heading to church, traveling the world, or just visiting a friend for coffee, she carried herself with elegance and grace. Her presence would light up every room she entered.

More than anything, Yvonne loved her family and friends. Her days were packed with coffee visits, moving from one table to the next, sharing food, laughter, and love. She had a unique gift for making everyone feel special and cared for, and her home was always open to those who needed it.

She is survived by her children, Rudy (Maria) Rizkallah, Maurice Rizkallah, Vera (Greg) McCarthy, and Dalida (John) Moussawer; her brother-in-law Simon (Janet) Rizcallah, who was like another son to her; her late brother Pierre (survived by Marcelle) Chamoun, her late sister Rosette (late Sobhi) Fares, her late sister Marie (survived by Iskandar) Moussawer, her late sister Violette Chamoun, her brother Simone (survived by Therese) Chamoun, her sister Laure (Manuel) Shammami, her brother Andre (Gladis) Chamoun, her brothers-in-law Fawzi (the late Angel) Rizcallah, Labib (Nawal) Rizkallah, John (Nawal) Rizcallah, her sister in law Jamal (the late Adel) Rizkallah and their families. Her grandchildren Yvonne (Chris), Gabriella (Michael), René, Marc, Sean, Liam, Yvonne (Dan), Alice (Sal), Rebecca (John), and Alex (Regan); and her eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband René, her parents Antoine and Malake. Yvonne leaves behind countless nieces and nephews, who brought her so much pride and joy.

We are so grateful to the staff at Arbourstone Shannex for the love and care they showed Yvonne in her later years.

Visitation will be held at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax on Thursday December 12th, 2024 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Funeral Mass will take place at Our Lady of Lebanon Parish, 111 Clayton Park Drive, on Friday December 13th, 2024 at 11:00 am

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Lady of Lebanon Parish or the Dementia Society in her honor.

Yvonne was our calm in the storm, our brightest light, and the glue that held us all together. Her laugh, her stories, and her unconditional love will stay with us forever. She lived fully, loved deeply, and left a piece of herself in everyone she met. Rest easy, Mom, Teta, Nana and Queen. You’ll always be in our hearts.