Evelyn Malcoun Alwan

Evelyn was a loved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Evelyn’s staunch faith and devotion to her family was evident in all she did.

She was born in Tripoli, Lebanon in 1922 and is the loving mother to Catherine Alwan of Peoria, IL, Gary Alwan of Peoria, IL, Sharon (Gary) Harrison of New Berlin, WI, and Rick Alwan of Lemont, IL; beloved grandmother to Renee (Jay) Percell of Bloomington, IL, Carolyn (Matt) Noel of Wheaton, IL, Michael (Laura) Alwan of Indianapolis, IN, Christine (Kevin) Smith of Plano, TX, and Anne Marie (Brenden) Keene of Burke, VA; and cherished great-grandmother (Tita) to Micah, Ezra, and Adele Percell, Sam and Luke Noel, Ellie, Sophie, and Natalie Alwan, and Fletcher and Norah Smith. She was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her son Dennis Alwan, daughter-in-law Mary Alwan and beloved husband Oscar Alwan, as well as siblings Joseph Malcoun, Pauline Courey, Michel Malcoun, Nadim Malcoun and her parents.

Evelyn was born to Teresa and Anthony Malcoun in Tripoli, Lebanon and she was one of five siblings. Evelyn was educated in Tripoli, Lebanon and was fluent in three languages: Arabic, French, and English. She married Oscar Alwan in 1947 in Tripoli, Lebanon and shortly after they immigrated to the United States and settled in Peoria, IL. They were married for 49 years.

Throughout her years in Peoria, she and Oscar became a pillar of strength and support for family and friends. They were an intricate part of the Lebanese community and Evelyn was an active member of the ladies branch of the Itoo Society. She was known for her delicious Lebanese cooking and elegant sense of style. Her greatest joy was hosting family and friends in her home and sharing together in meals, warmth, and love. She was a friend to everyone and will always be remembered for her grace and generosity.

We could not have asked for a better mother/grandmother/great grandmother, and we will miss her every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:30 am on Saturday January 20, 2024 at St. Sharbel Church, 2914 W Scenic Dr, Peoria, IL 61615. Rosary will be at 9:30 am followed by a visitation from 10:00 am - 11:30 am. A private burial will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to the FIRE Foundation of Central IL (www.firefoundationcil.org) and to The Itoo Society Relief Fund supporting educational and medical relief efforts for Itoo, Lebanon.