Adele Zainea Wise, a resilient and endearing matriarch to an ever-growing family, entered into eternal life Wednesday, April 26, 2017, and went into the waiting arms of her Heavenly Father. She was 101 years old. Her bright eyes and infectious laugh (a cackle, really) masked a resolve to overcome emotional and physical obstacles and leave a solid foundation built on faith, family, food and fun. Adele was preceded in death by her first husband George J. Zainea, second husband Frank J. Wise, her Najar siblings Leo, Joseph and Evelyn Hakeem, and step-daughter Penny (Wise) McDermott. She is survived by her children Joseph (Judy), George (Gail), Leo (Theresa) Zainea, Mary (Ray) Taylor, Tom Zainea; brother Ammiel G. Najar; step-daughter Candace Wise. She also leaves a lasting legacy of kindness and unconditional love (not to mention plenty of Syrian recipes) to eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, also countless loving nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Monday 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m., with the Rosary recited at 3:30 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1935 Plymouth Ave. S.E., Grand Rapids. Rev. Troy Nevins officiating. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Adele’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38101 or Faith Hospice Trillium Woods, 2100 Raybrook SE Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546-5783.
