Gilberte “Jill” Achkar

GILBERTE “JILL” ACHKAR (nee Roumy), aged 80 years, beloved wife for 57 years to Edgar, dear mother of Jean-Paul (wife Gretchen) and Alan (wife Toni), loving grandmother of Paul, John, Teresa, Christopher, Marie and Andrew, devoted daughter of the late Gabriel and Georgette (nee Badrane) Roumy, cherished sister of Gisele Hakim, Gaston Roumy (deceased), Germaine Sheitoyan and Gustave Roumy, fond aunt and grand-aunt to many.

Contributions in memory of Jill suggested to Our Lady Chapel at Gilmour Academy, 34001 Cedar Rd., Gates Mills, OH  44040; or to the G.U.T. Fund of the American College of Gastroentrology Research Institute at https://members.gi.org/donate.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021 at Our Lady Chapel at 11 AM. Rev. John Blazek, C.S.C., Officiating. Burial following in Knollwood Cemetery with a reception to follow at The Cleveland Racquet Club, 29825 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike (44124). Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Jill at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just East of Green Rd.) MONDAY NOV. 22, FROM 6-8 PM.

Jill lived a life marked by relentless courage, an endearing mix of intelligence and humor, a fierce devotion to family and a talent for great food. She was determined, nurturing, funny and loving.

A native of Lebanon, Jill immigrated to the Cleveland area with her family in 1975 to carve a new path in a new country. Her single-minded goal: to ensure a safe and happy future for her two sons. “You’re my life,” she told them repeatedly.

That devotion would later extend to her six grandchildren, who were spared no generosity and reaped all the rewards of her giving nature. They relished her refrain of “Ya hayehteh!” (my love, my heart). She was laser-focused on their well-being and embraced every opportunity to see them. “When are you coming to see me?” she often asked.

There was also the unbreakable bond with her soulmate, Edgar. Their marriage was a daily display of unbridled love and unwavering support. Their love story featured chapters in two countries and endured through countless obstacles. Jill was a rock for Edgar; the source of strength and courage. She was also a terrific and elegant dance partner, as the two were known to take over dance floors!

Jill’s versatility and intelligence were displayed in her education and career paths. Trained as a surgical nurse in Lebanon, she later returned to school, earning a Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude) from John Carroll University and a Master’s in comparative literature from Case Western Reserve University. She taught French classes for adults, and also found time to work as a travel agent.

In recent years, Jill attended Mass at Our Lady Chapel and enjoyed the Catholic community at Gilmour Academy. She was an avid tennis player and loved playing Bridge with close friends.

She extended her grace and hospitality to anyone she came across — always wanting people to feel welcome — and took time to pay extra attention, and share a joke, with children. Jill also drew rave reviews for talent in the kitchen. Her cooking wizardry dazzled hundreds of people, and she introduced Middle Eastern cuisine to a host of Americans over the years.

But it’s not just her recipes that her family will forever cherish. “Teta” will be remembered for her giant heart, her silly jokes and her steely determination. And she was tough — a fighter who never backed down. That fighting spirit has been passed on, and will shine for generations to come.