Francoise Mikhail Elias (affectionately nicknamed Fifi) passed away at NWM ICU on Ash Wednesday at approximately 1:02 PM on February 17, 2021, on the first day of the journey of the return to God. Fittingly, Francoise journeyed away at Lent, a fasting period of 40 days that Mom adhered to in the strictest of traditions, during her life time.

Francoise was granted grace to pass away peacefully and in a dignified manner, after a long and heroic struggle and after she received her Last Rites and Blessings. She was surrounded by family, close and afar, accompanied by the out-pouring of an abundance of prayers of friends from every walk of life.

Francoise's departure has left a void which will be filled forever, with her endless and unconditional love to all.

Fifi was eager to join her husband, George H Elias in heaven. Though she had several suitors; yet she wished to marry the one man who did not have a dime to his name but was dashingly handsome in his military uniform, and in no time proved to all that he was a self-made Renascence man in everything he did and touched, all the way to the absolute very end.

Before she was married; she attended teachers' school and though she was petite; yet she was a force to reckon with as a basketball player.

She was George's rock upon which he built a distinguished career as a Brigadier General prior to which he earned his doctorate in industrial pharmaceuticals and eventually the coveted (ARIC) Associate of the Royal Institute of Chemistry from the Imperial College in London. During that time, she faithfully raised and lovingly cared for a family of six and with a constant and radiant smile. They had a legendary marriage that made them look younger than those that were younger. Together they exuded elegance and chicness and generosity in how they cared and treated others. She traveled all over the world with George and she appreciated her blessings and was content.

She was a devout catholic and would not miss Mass so long as she could walk to church and would love to talk with Cardinal Francis George, anytime she could catch him outside Holy Name Cathedral.

Francoise is survived by her son, Dr. Sarmed G. Elias MD, and his wife Elizabeth, her three daughters Maysoon, Mia and Nadia and her grandchild Dr. Ed Kerr MD and her great grandchildren, Juliana and Sebastian. She is also survived by her two sisters, May and Layla, three nieces, Maureen, Samira and Muna and her nephews Peter and Nazar and her first cousins David, Evelyn, Emanuel, Raymond, Eileen, Romeo and Juliette and sister in-laws Najeeba and sons Numan and Sinan and Mahasin and sons Dr. Saad J. Kenderian MB, Ch.B and Dr. Zain Kenderian MB, Ch.B. to whom Francoise was lovingly an Auntie and being genuinely affectionate towards countless other relatives and friends, across the world.

But perhaps most uniquely is her past family history and what she experienced while growing up which most definitely shaped her and prepared her for later. Francoise comes from a very long line of decorated military heritage and leaders. Notably is her grandfather Raphael Khan, as recorded in history books published in the USA; the commander of the elite Third Assyrian Battalion, made up of several thousands of highly trained enlisted warriors that fought to save tens and tens of thousands of souls of every age and kind from genocide. They succeeded in leaving us this recorded Legacy. Francoise's own father, Colonel Shlemon Mikhail Yousif, a decorated officer, left his own recorded Legacy by playing a key role in commanding infantry peace keeping battalion forces representing the different branches in several countries. Consequently, she had to endure her father's absence, many months at a time.

Finally, Francoise settled in America over 25 years ago. After the tragic passing of her husband. Fifi is an all-around patriot and she loved the United States unconditionally and was always fond of and proud of Chicago. Mom made friends with everyone she crossed paths with and was happy to share her own phenomenal recipes with whomever marveled at her cooking.

To remember someone, one has to reflect on memories but perhaps one is most remembered for the true love they live by. Through this love Francoise brought people together including strangers and always helped the poor and talked to them. She listened and heard them and was always humble in her wisdom. Francoise offered all her long suffering to Jesus through his mother Mary.

"An angel lived among us, a gift from God above, she showered us with kindness and shared with us her love,

She cherished every moment with Dad, who was her life,

Walking hand in hand together facing life with all its strife,

She loved her children dearly, each one of us a different way,

Nestled close within her heart, though now she's far away,

She's gone to live with Jesus, But she's here with us today,

Smiling down on every one of us,

And telling us she is O.K.

So, if roses grow in heaven Lord, please pick a bunch for us,

Place them in my Mother's arms and tell her they're from us,

Tell her that we love and miss her, and when she turns to smile,

Place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while."

Fifi, we miss you; we love you, and please give a hug and a kiss to Dad and a warm hello from all of us.

May the LORD bless you, and keep you;

May the LORD make His face shine to upon you, and be gracious to you:

May the LORD turn His countenance to you and grant you peace.

Rest in peace Fifi and may eternal light shine upon you beloved Mom.

Please view an updated Memorial Tribute of Francoise Mikhail Elias life at the following link: https://youtu.be/RBIBj0MJkto (please review the earlier version of the Memorial Tribute link at the end of the obituary); please click the "Like" button after viewing.

The Funeral Mass, will be held at 10:30 AM on February 24, 2021, at St. Mary of the Angels Church, located at 1850 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60622 ( www.sma-church.org ). The Funeral Mass was live streamed and can be view at the following link https://youtu.be/LI7Jrpt3AUw ; please click the "Like" button after viewing. Confessions were available before the Funeral Mass.

Interment will take place after the Funeral Mass, at St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, located at 6800 North Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, Illinois 60714 following a Committal Service in the Cemetery Chapel. Francoise will be laid to rest beside the In Memoriam for her husband, Brigadier General, George H. Elias, Pharm D., A. R. I. C. Rest In Peace; In The Name Of The Father, The Son, And The Holy Spirit, Now And Forever, Amen.

In lieu of flowers; the Funeral Home website will have the list of charities that could be donated to in her name. Links will be provided on the Funeral Home website. Additionally, feel free to dedicate a Holy Mass which would be a wonderful tribute to Francoise.

Later, when everyone is vaccinated against the coronavirus, there will be a special luncheon sometime in late summer of this year celebrating the richness and love of the life of Francoise. Please sign up for this event now by signing her guestbook on the Michalik Funeral Home website. A direct RSVP link will be provided at a later date.

Please also periodically check the Michalik Funeral Home website ( www.michalikfuneralhome.com ) for the latest updates.

Please view a Memorial Tribute of Francoise Mikhail Elias life at the following link: https://youtu.be/fLqJz12O6EA ; please click the "Like" button after viewing.

For further information please call 312-421-0936.