Obituaries

Nawal Chikhani, 83, of Fremont, California, passed away peacefully into God's grace on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. Nawal was born June 27, 1942, in Lebanon. She was a beloved wife to the late Rene Chikhani and is lovingly survived by her children Marie, Laina, Nyla, and Victor, and by her grandchildren Kyle, Brett, Alex, Miles, Dominique, Jacob, and Leilah, who will carry forward her kindness, curiosity, and joy for life. She is also survived by her brother, Ilyas, in Lebanon, and her aunt, Juliette, in Peru.

Nawal's life was defined by her love of family and friends, her adventurous spirit, and her warm, generous nature. After marrying Rene, she moved to the United States, where she embraced a life of travel and discovery. She made frequent visits to family in France, Peru, and Lebanon. Nawal had a deep appreciation for nature and design. She was a talented seamstress, could knit or sew anything imaginable, and she delighted in sharing her talent as an amazing cook—meals that brought family and friends together and created lasting memories. Nawal was a fierce fighter. She survived breast cancer and fought Parkinson's disease for 36 years, never allowing any of her challenges to define how she lived her life.

Family and friends will remember Nawal for her welcoming smile, thoughtful creativity, and the way she made every gathering feel like home. She will be deeply missed by those of us who loved her and whose lives she touched. The family will announce the memorial arrangements.