Jamileh Yoakim

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jamileh Jamil Yoakim. She passed away unexpectedly on June 30, 2023, surrounded by family in Hollywood California. She faced cancer and treatment with steadfast strength, grace, and an indomitable spirit, leaving an enduring legacy of resilience and love.

Jamileh was an exceptionally strong woman who built a beautiful and thriving life. She was a devoted wife and loving mother who is survived by her husband Kaliopa (Monir), her three children Michelle, Marianna, and Mathew Yoakim, and her adoring pets.

Born on October 05,1969, Jamileh was a cherished daughter to parents Karima and Jamil Sisserian. She spent her childhood in Jerusalem, Palestine, surrounded by her family, including her mother, father, and six younger siblings. During her adolescent years Jamileh excelled in school, opening the door for her siblings through her academic accomplishments including choir, dance groups, and piano. While Jamileh was academically inclined, she also developed a rebellious streak that she enjoyed reminiscing about. Jamileh had an incredible strength, resilience, and selflessness from a young age when she took on a primary caretaker role after her father passed.

On September 25, 1988, Jamileh and Kaliopa were married and then immigrated to the United States together filled with love, shared dreams, and excitement for the future. Jamileh dedicated herself to her family, always putting their needs before her own. Her love and support were the foundations that held us together in times of joy and adversity. She created a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories that will forever live in our hearts.

Throughout her life, Jamileh pursued her passions and lived life to the fullest. She found joy in gardening, traveling, designing, exercising, spending time with her dogs, and experimenting in the kitchen; and her enthusiasm was contagious. As Jamileh’s children entered their formative years, she rekindled her love for intellectual growth, traveling, and self-expression through her unique fashion sense. Motivated by her innate thirst for knowledge and her kind hearted spirit, she enrolled at the local community college and went into the registered nursing program. In addition to nurturing her intellectual mind, she was creative and expressed herself in many forms including one of her favorite ways by effortlessly assembling ensembles.

Jamileh approached everything wholly and taught us the importance of perseverance, kindness, and embracing each day. She put love into everything she did for others, especially her family, her special secret ingredient that nobody could ever recreate. She filled our lives with love that was magnetic to those around. Jamileh prioritized her family, supporting their aspirations, growing a thriving business with her husband, and taking vacations together creating cherished memories along the way.

In February 2021, Jamileh received a life-altering diagnosis: Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She displayed incredible resilience as she was separated from her family and underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. August 24, 2021 brought a moment of hope when she successfully underwent a bone marrow transfer, marking the beginning of her remission journey. Despite skepticism from doctors regarding her chances of survival, Jamileh’s unwavering strength, deep-rooted religious beliefs, and rebellious spirit, bolstered by the support of her family, propelled her through the grueling parts of remission. Although she achieved remission, her once strong body continued to bear the lasting effects of the arduous medical interventions she had endured.

Jamileh found peace through her relationship with God, seeking refuge in Him during the darkest moments of life. We are immensely grateful that she spoke to God through the hospital chaplain before her passing.

While the void left by Jamileh’s passing is immeasurable, we find solace in knowing that Jamileh can finally rest and has reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her. While her physical presence may be gone, her spirit will forever remain in our hearts, guiding and protecting us. We love you always.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate the life of Jamileh and honor her memory at Blessed Junipero Serra Parish on July 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Following the memorial service, funeral services will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. A reception will take place at Gino's Ristorante from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Please join us as we pay our respects and share cherished memories of Jamileh during this time.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have offered their love, support, and condolences during this difficult time.

May her soul rest in eternal peace. You will forever be our guiding light and the angel watching over us.

With deep pain,

The Yoakim family