Remembering Mrs Hilda Daisy (Batarseh) Barakat

In Memory of Hilda Barakat

In September of 2009, our PfP family was saddened by the loss of a vibrant member of our community, Mrs. Hilda Barakat. Like many Palestinians forced to leave their homeland, the loss of Palestine broke her heart, but she found comfort in helping organizations that work for to heal and seek justice for our nation. Hilda especially recognized the importance of giving children opportunities for normalization, play, and laughter in the midst of hopelessness, poverty, and destruction.

PfP joins so many hearts in offering our condolences to Hilda's family. All donations received will be matched dollar for dollar, which will be used to erect a playground In Memory of Hilda Daisy Batarseh Barakat.

below is the text of Hilda's obituary in the local paper in West Chester, PA

Hilda Daisy (Batarseh) Barakat, 69, of West Chester, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born in Bethlehem, Palestine, in 1940 and was the daughter of the late Hannah and Hilaneh (Amireh) Batarseh. In 1949, she went with her family to Cairo, Egypt. Hilda received her degree in teaching from Notre Dame de l’Apparition and spent two years teaching math. She met her husband, Adel, through scouting. After immigrating to the United States, she served as business manager for her husband’s orthopedic practice.

Always active, Hilda received a degree in interior design, taught elementary school art and committed to volunteer work. In addition, she played bridge and tennis and enjoyed reading, needlework and the arts. Above all, she dedicated her time to her family. Hilda was peaceful, loving and positive throughout her life, inspiring her family to do the same.

She is survived by her husband, Adel Barakat; one daughter, Lamia Barakat; one son, Rami Barakat; one son-in-law, Brad Norford; one daughter-in-law, Ginny Barakat; five grandchildren, Keira, Sabrina, Gabriel, Reema and Laila; and four brothers, Gabriel, Victor, Samir and Nabil Batarseh.