Nora Jean Ayoub

Nora Jean Ayoub, the handmaiden of God, age 74, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, departed this life in peace on Sunday July 29, 2018, the day of Resurrection! Nora was born to Abraham and Julia Jobes in Peoria, Illinois, where she lived through her early adult life. Her life was anchored on her Orthodox Christian Faith. She sang in the Church choir from her childhood at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Waterloo, Iowa, and finally St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Grand Rapids.  Nora received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bradley University and was a teacher for many years. She taught at Manual High School in Peoria, as well as for the Godfrey Lee School District in Grand Rapids, where she was admired by her students. In her later years she continued to be very active in her community, volunteering at Frederick Meijer Gardens, Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, and her church, St. Nicholas. She also sang in the Kentwood Chorale Society, and so joyfully shared her love of music. Nora is preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved husband of 26 years, Shaker Nicholas Ayoub. Nora is survived by her sons, Nicholas (Elizabeth) and Joseph, and her most-adored granddaughter, Josephine. She is also survived by her dear and devoted sister, Nancy (V. Rev. Mark) Stevens, and sister-in-law, Josephine (Labib) Hamra. Her funeral will take place at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 2250 East Paris Avenue, Grand Rapids, on Wednesday, August 1st at 11am with His Grace, Bishop ANTHONY (Michaels) presiding. Visitation will take place at the church one hour before the service and from 3-5pm and 6-8pm on Tuesday, with a Trisagion service at 7:30pm. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. Nora was a loving woman, who always had a smile and kind word for everyone she met. She had a wonderful group of friends whom she loved very much. She was happiest when she was with her family or in her Church. Our “Nimmer”, “Mama”, and “Sitti”, will be dearly missed. Memory Eternal!

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