Laila Rakan Shteiwi

Laila Rakan Shteiwi (1948 – 2025), wife of the late Rakan Shteiwi, loving mother of Marline, Braheam, and Halla (Nathan) Lane. Doting grandmother to Laila, London, and Lillian. Sister to Faris (Huson), Jacoub (Dina), Kamilia (Hukkam), Afaf (Mwufag), and the late Ensaf (Richard) and Saaf (Bill). Beloved aunt to many and friend to all. 

Laila emigrated to the United States from her beloved Jordan in 1967, and with her husband shaped a life through faith, love and endless hard work. Their early years stateside were a time of industriousness and sacrifice to achieve the American Dream that inspired them to leave their homeland. They were entrepreneurs in the restaurant business, where they turned their Jordanian traditions of warmth and hospitality into a way of life. 

In 1969, Laila gave birth to Marline, and you would often see her next to Laila and Rakan in the restaurants. Years later, Halla was born, and then Braheam. Eventually, Laila was able to stay home, and that was important; their home was a bustling hub for the Jordanian community in Cincinnati. Her doors were always open, whether you needed a cup of coffee, delicious meal, a rousing card game, or just a conversation with a friend.

In 2015, she accepted her favorite role: grandmother (or, if you prefer the Arabic, ‘Jida’). First came Laila, then London and Lillian. Her many gifts were perfect for being Jida: kindness, generous, patience, affection. She always had a sweet or savory treat, a giant hug, or a tender word for her granddaughters, and usually all at the same time. 

In 2016, she lost her husband suddenly and unexpectedly. Her grief was intense and permanent. She relied on her tremendous faith to see her through the darkest nights. She prayed constantly, and would often drop whatever she was doing when she heard of a friend – or even a friend of a friend – that needed God’s help. 

Laila’s love and faith – intertwined with each other – are her lasting legacy. These are also the gifts that she has left us, and they are the gifts that will see us through as we forge our way ahead without her. 

 We love you, Mama.

 Visitation is Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 10:30 – 11:30am at St. James Eastern Orthodox Church in Loveland; Funeral Service is at 11:30am.