Jeanette Kahwaji

Jeanette Marie Kahwaji, 76, of Normal, Ill., formerly of Webb City, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 3.

She was born Oct. 10, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio, daughter of Roger and Nellie Eva (Courey) McKarus. She married Sammy Kahwaji on Aug. 14, 1966, in North Hollywood, Calif. He survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Melanie (Matthew) Gray, of Normal; two sons, Michael (Laura) Kahwaji and Gregory (Robyn) Kahwaji, both of Bloomington, Ill.; seven grandchildren, Lexi (Charlie) Powell, Kale Kahwaji, Samuel Kahwaji, Anthony Kahwaji, Joseph Kahwaji, Grace Gray and Annie Gray; one great-grandchild, Evelyn Powell; one brother, Douglas McKarus; five nieces and nephews, Jeff, Steve, Jillian, Greg and Lauren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Roger McKarus and Neumer McKarus.

Jeanette worked as a nurse for many years at Granada Hills Hospital in California. She and Sammy lived in Webb City for 20 years before moving to Illinois. In addition to raising their family here, they operated the Mediterranean Palace restaurant, and Jeanette was good at obtaining donations from businesses for Project Graduation.

Jeanette enjoyed going to her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and sporting events and was known to yell at every ball game. She wanted to try most things at least once and loved painting in her free time.

Her funeral Mass was held Wednesday, Nov. 9, at St Patrick’s Church of Merna, followed by a visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL, 61603.

Arrangements are under direction of Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home in Bloomington.