Jeanine Shahin
1930 - 2024
Obituary
Jeanine Barbara Shahin, 93, died May 16, 2024; born November 12, 1930 in Beirut, Lebanon to parents with American citizenship, the third of four daughters of Juliette Shaheen, and Charles Awad. At the age of 16, Jeanine came to the United States, met and married Khalil Naif Shahin, who was ordained a priest of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian church serving Saint Elias congregation on Onondaga Hill for 10 years. Jeanine served as priest wife, hosting bishops, priests, and parishioners. Upon her husband’s retirement, Jeanine returned to the faith of her youth, continuing her devotion at Holy Cross in Dewitt.
Her natural talents for hospitality opened doors for her at Syracuse University where she managed their Faculty Center, which became a very popular hub with professors, deans, the chancellor and their guests enjoying daily meals and many special events. Jeanine’s Lebanese culinary reputation was featured in numerous Syracuse media stories including - A Taste of Lebanon - her television cooking show.
Shahin was predeceased by her husband, Rt Rev. Father Michael Shahin, her sisters: Esther Ferris, and Nellie Charles. Survivors include her one remaining sister Edna Mezher (Lebanon) and her children: Christine Shahin-Wood and husband Steve Wood Sr., Michele Shahin, Charles Shahin and wife Cecilia Tafour Shahin, John Shahin and wife Lorie Ann Voight. Also surviving are ten grandchildren: Steven Wood Jr., Elena Wood, Radney Wood, Christopher Wood, Trevor Wood and wife Audrey Normand Wood, Shadia Wood and husband Jonathan Warnow, Jaime Dermon, Gabriel Zagazeta, ZJ Shahin, and Xzavier Shahin and 4 great grandchildren: Shafiqa Wood, Lorelai Wood, Koa Wood, and Salma Wood.
Calling hours will be held on Tues May 28, 2024 at Holy Cross in Dewitt at 9:30 am. Service begins at 11:00 am followed by burial.