Laurisse K Masri

Born Laurisse Fatalla in Sao Paulo, Brazil — she played the role of daughter to Antonio Fatalla and Olinda Fatalla, and sister to her brother Wilson. Laurisse lived in Brazil for 28 years, and told fond stories to her grandchildren about the comfortable life her parents had given her and the strong woman role model she had in her mother, Olinda. The very disciplined foundation Laurisse had in Brazil, molded the strong, loving, and regal woman she will always be remembered as. However, Laurisse Fatalla changed her name to Laurisse Masri after falling in love with a spirited Lebanese immigrant to Brazil named Samih Masri. Together they married and moved to the United States.

For all those who knew them, Sam and Laurisse’s life became a classic American tale. After leaving Brazil and arriving in Washington D.C. with nothing but $50, and neither of them able to speak English, through hard work Sam and Laurisse ended up living the American Dream which allowed them to raise and support five children — Zaina, Sam, Omar, Leila, and Nadia. During this time, Sam and Laurisse ended up changing many lives by helping family and friends from across the world come to the United States. While raising their children, Sam and Laurisse’s house was always full of guests and family who came to stay from abroad. From where ever in the world these guests were from, they always knew that Sam and Laurisse’s house was their “Welcome Home” in the United States, with endless generosity and hospitality.

Laurisse discovered her proudest role as grandmother to over seven grandchildren. From Soraya who was born in 1987 to Amir in 2014, and with Michael, Sabrina, Brianna, Daniella, and Shahara in between, Laurisse’s grandchildren encapsulated all of her heart — and she theirs. Sam and Laurisse’s home was a daily solid ground and meeting place for all the family and friends to unite, and for the grandchildren to grow up together that way. Even after Sam’s passing in 2010, Laurisse remained the regal matriarch and an excellent role model for her granddaughters, and adopted daughter, Chahira, whom also lived with her. Sam and Laurisse had such an impact on those that knew them, that in their passing we feel we are witnessing the end of a beautiful era. Artists in pop culture today have said that future generations would need to go to a museum to view a "lady". If there ever is such a museum, even at 90 years old Laurisse’s example would be an excellent one to showcase.