It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of Samira Essa , affectionately known to all,  simply as "Nana,"

Nana wasn't just a title — it was a way of being. She had a heart big enough to hold the world and a smile that made everyone feel like family. Whether you were a lifelong friend, a neighbor passing by, or someone she'd just met, Nana had a way of making you feel like you'd always belonged.

She was born on September 27, 1939 in Baghdad, Iraq.  Peter Essa went to Baghdad, met and married Samira and brought her to America.  She was a woman of deep Faith and her life was a living example of grace, generosity and unconditional love.  Besides her family, there were countless others who were lucky enough to be folded into her heart — family, neighbors, friends, and strangers who quickly became Family.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we rest in the beautiful truth that this goodbye is not forever. Her faith was steadfast, her love never wavered, and we know without doubt that she now walks in the presence of the Lord she trusted with her whole heart.

Until we meet again, we will carry her love in everything we do — in how we treat one another, in how we love our families, and in how we keep the faith. Her legacy lives on in us.

Rest in peace, dearest Nana. Heaven is brighter because you're there.

________

Loving daughter of the late Shamasha Elias Hanna Kathawa and the late Bechara Jajo Kato.

Cherished and devoted wife of Peter Paul Essa for 67 years.

Faithful mother of Paul (Mary Jo), Peter(Debbie), Teresa (Tony), George, and Joseph (Fiancé Nancy).

Cherished Nana of Angelina, Breanna, Luke, Zeina, and Ally.

And, Nana to countless others!

Visitation:
A Visitation will be held
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at
Southfield Funeral Home
18338 W 12 Mile Rd,
Southfield, MI 48076

Requiem Mass:
A Requiem Mass will be held
Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM at
Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church
25585 Berg Rd,
Southfield, MI 48033

Clergy of record:
Fr. Perrin Atisha

Committal Service:
A Committal Service will follow
the Requiem Mass at
Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery
25800 W 10 Mile Rd.
Southfield, MI 48033

Thank you and God Bless You!

Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Amen