WATERVILLE – It is with a very heavy heart that we share that Laya Joseph, 87, of Waterville passed away on Jan. 2, 2024, at her home.

Laya was born in Lebanon, where she married her late husband, Wadeah Joseph. Together they moved to the United States and settled in Waterville. Shortly after their daughter Nada was born, Laya’s husband passed away. She moved back to Lebanon with her daughter with the intention of living there but later fled the country as the war had started. She made the very difficult decision to leave her family in order to give her daughter a better life in the United States.

Laya was a devout Catholic and belonged to St. Joseph’s Maronite Catholic Church in Waterville. She was a member of the Rosary Solidarity and volunteered endless hours cooking for church events. Most importantly Laya was known in the community as being the bright light and backbone of the Lebanese Cuisine for the past 44 years. Her warm smiling face, tender heart, and giving spirit was loved by all who knew her.

Laya was the matriarch of the family. She handled all obstacles in her life with strength and resiliency. She took pride in her role as a mother, sister, and aunt. Laya’s love in life was spending time with her family. She was passionate about making sure her loved ones were well cared for in many ways, this was exhibited through her continuous acts of selflessness throughout her entire life. Laya was also known for her delicious cooking. She spent hours preparing delectable Lebanese meals made with extraordinary love. She did all of this with a loving, happy, and humbling heart.

No words can express how deeply she will be missed. We do not know how our life will go on without her. She will forever leave a permanent hole in our hearts. Heaven has gained another angel, and we know she will be shining down on us, until we meet again.

Laya was predeceased by her husband Wadeah Joseph.

She is survived by her daughter, Nada Joseph of Waterville; sister Yvonne Farhat of Lebanon, brothers Salim Nasr, Nassim Nasr and wife Joyce of Waterville; niece Rita Karter and husband John of Waterville; and her great-nephews Elias and Evan Karter, as well as many nieces and nephews in Lebanon.

A private mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Maronite Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook can be signed, condolences and memories shared, at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made in her memory to:
St. Joseph’s Maronite Catholic Church

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