Obituary of Mrs. Nassima Kortbawi Karam

Nassima Kortbawi Karam, 88, of Cortland, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born and raised in Lebanon, she married Kozhaya Karam and raised her family in the Maronite Christian faith. In 1992, she emigrated to the U.S. and settled in Cortland, NY, in 1996, where she and her husband established Pita Gourmet on Main Street.

Nassima was known for her devotion to family, resilience, intellect, hard work, and, above all, her selflessness. She greeted everyone she met with kindness, leaving a lasting impression on those around her. She was preceded in death by her brother, Milad Kortbawi.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, five children, and their families: George (Therese) Karam, Charbel (Hana) Karam, Carlos (Helene) Karam, Mireille (Mark) Lewis, and Madona (Elie) Haykal. She was a beloved grandmother to thirteen grandchildren: Izek, Rackelle (Jody Leonard), Sarah (Noel Hajj) Karam, Rebecca (Taylor) Dale, Patricia (Zach) Lovell, Marcus (Emily Dephillipo), Jacob, Adam Karam, Maureen, Mark II, Mathew Lewis, Selena (Jordan Nicotra), and Anthony Haykal. She also leaves behind two cherished great-grandchildren, Harper Lovell and Cameron Dale.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 10, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, followed by a receiving line and the Christian Rite of Committal and burial in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Contributions in Nassima’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Condolences may also be shared at www.riccardifuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y.