Layla K. Semaan

Layla Mamari Semaan, born on January 1, 1938 in Tripoli, Lebanon, fell asleep in death on January 10, 2026 at the age of 88, at home surrounded by family and love.

Layla was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Though to many, she was all of these at once. She loved people deeply and unconditionally. Everyone she met felt welcomed and cared for and loved her in return. Her presence brought comfort, warmth, and happiness wherever she was.

Layla lived her life guided by her strong faith in the Bible. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for the past 63 years, she loved sharing Bible truths with others and reading the Bible daily. Her beliefs shaped not only how she worshipped, but also how she treated others-with kindness, generosity, humility, and genuine love. She saw people for who they were, never allowing language, age, or background to stand in the way of friendship.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Adel, in February 2001, and her infant daughter, Nadia. Layla is survived by her five children: her daughter, Nouhad (Charles) Wehbe, her sons, Abed (Deborah Anaple), Elia (Nabila Shehab), Jihad, and Gaby Semaan. She was a loving and cherished grandmother to Leila A., Nathanael, Christina, and Leila H. Her life was a testiment to love for all.

Siblings: Mehrez (Amal), Mereh (Souaad), Jamila (Tony) Semaan, Elias (Nabiha), Nouf (deceased), Issa, Mariam (Abdalsalam) Yazji (deceased), Tariz (Issa) Attieh, Bassam (Aida), Nabil (Loudi), Yasmeen (Mousa) Mousa, Sami (deceased), Nouhad (Jamil) Hazim and their families.

One of her love languages was food. No one ever left her home without sharing a meal, whether they planned to or not. Making food for others was one of her ways of caring for them, of saying “you matter” without words. Being together, sharing meals, and welcoming others into her space were among her greatest joys.

Layla Semaan is known and will be remembered as a woman whose heart was bigger than any place she entered and who was loved by everyone who met her, and many times those who only heard of her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness that will continue through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished until we meet again soon.

John 5:28,29 “The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.”

The visitation for Layla will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness, 139 Richards Road, Toledo, OH 43607. The funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m.

The Zoom Information: Zoom ID: 850 6160 4142 Passcode: Layla