Memorial
Alexandria Ann Nassif passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2024, at her Meth-Wick Community residence in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was born on February 29, 1944, in Cedar Rapids and was one of four children of Elias J (Tony) Nassif and Adele (Ferris) Nassif. Throughout her life, she was known by friends and family as “Sandy” but she always loved her given name, “Alexandria.” Sandy graduated from Washington High School and continued her college education at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education.
Teaching was a primary passion for Sandy as she not only taught at the elementary level in both public and private schools, but she also did private tutoring for children with special needs. Throughout her teaching career, Sandy’s students were very devoted to her and many returned later in life to remind her of how their learning experiences with Sandy impacted their lives.
Sandy’s move to California gave her the chance to extend her teaching into a new setting and to explore new career opportunities . While she continued to teach, she developed an ongoing love for music and singing. She was happiest when she could be sharing music and song with audiences. Her special love was jazz where her voice became an improvisational instrument. Her performances always reflected a flourish of inspiration and great joy.
Sandy’s devotion to teaching and love for music was further complemented by her love for travel. She was fortunate to have traveled to many European countries but her most memorable visit was to Spain, and then later, to Lebanon where she enjoyed meeting extended family and discovering the homeland of her parents. Sandy’s memories of the traditions and beauty of Lebanon were among her most treasured life experiences.
Faith and lifelong relationships offered Sandy inspiration and grace to face the challenges of her later life. At the core of her life was her devotion to her faith and her love for family who provided support and comfort during difficult times. But her most cherished moments were frequent visits from childhood friends who always reminded Sandy of shared memories and especially from Peter Jouras, her nephew, whose family ties were filled with kindness and love. Sandy will be remembered for the many lives she touched and the influence she generously bestowed on others during her life. She will always be remembered for her devotion to her dreams for herself and for others.
Sandy is survived by two brothers, Gary Nassif of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Don (Denise) Nassif of Newport, California, her niece, Kristen Nassif, her nephew, Peter Jouras and generations of cousins. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Elias J. and Adele Nassif and her brother, Elias (Tony) Nassif.
Special love and thanks go to her extraordinary support family at The Woodlands of Meth-Wick Community and to her devoted cousin, Laila Payvandi , who guided her daily living and care.
Funeral service will be held Monday, November 4, 2024, at St. George Orthodox Church . Cedar Rapids, Iowa, beginning at 10:00 am. Entombment will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Chapel of Memories.
Memorials may be directed to at St. George Orthodox Church in memory of Sandy.