August 15, 1885 – June 2, 1957
Jameelah Samra Tahmoush was born in Damascus, Syria, and immigrated to the United States at the turn of the 20th century, arriving at Ellis Island with her siblings Mike, Adele, and Elizabeth. She was the daughter of Nicholas and Mary Hallal Samra. In 1909, her parents and additional siblings—Tony, Joseph, and Nora—joined them, and the family eventually settled on Park Street in Pawtucket’s Pleasant View neighborhood, beginning a long history of the Samra family’s presence in the area.
The Samra Family, 1916
Front row (from right): Jameela (Samra) Tahmoush, age 31, her mother Mary Hallal Samra, her father Nicholas Samra, and Nora (Samra) Waian.
Back row (from right): Mike Samra, Adele (Samra) Nadeem, Thomas Samra, Elizabeth (Samra) Matook, and Joseph Samra.
Jameelah married Leon Tahmoush, and together they raised four children: Sophie; Abraham, and his twin sister, Matilda (“Tillie”); and George, who tragically passed away at a young age from influenza. Jameelah devoted countless hours to her family, working diligently in the textile mills while also raising her children in the faith. She was deeply involved in her parish and was the founder of St. Mary’s Church School as well as its choir, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Jameelah was blessed with eight grandchildren during her lifetime—Elaine, Robert, Michael, Edward, Mary Lou, Linda, Joanne, and Lois—and her grandson Leon was born after her passing.
A determined and intelligent woman, Jameelah arrived in America with strong English skills, which she used to assist many fellow immigrants in conducting business and adapting to their new lives. In the 1930s, she achieved the remarkable accomplishment of purchasing her first home, a significant milestone at the time. Her leadership extended beyond her family and community; she played an important role in what would become the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese and had the honor of hosting Bishop Raphael Hawaweeny (now St. Raphael) during his travels through southern New England.
Jameelah passed into eternal rest in 1957, remembered for her strength, generosity, and devotion to her faith and family. Her life’s work continues to inspire her children, grandchildren, and the parish community she so deeply loved.