Leila Ashi Chaanine, 85, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Carteret Health Care.

A graveside service to honor Leila’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, April 20th at Gethsemane Memorial Park in Newport.

Leila was born on April 7, 1941, in Lebanon, to the late Costandi and Anisa Ashi. She grew up in a close-knit family of six siblings and was the only daughter, a role that helped shape her deep devotion to family and strong sense of connection to those she loved.

Family was at the center of Leila’s life. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, and her grandchildren were truly the light of her world. She cherished every moment spent with them and took great pride in watching her family grow.

Proud of her Lebanese heritage, Leila expressed her love through the kitchen, preparing traditional Lebanese meals that brought her family together. She also enjoyed watching Lebanese soap operas, always captivated by the drama and familiarity of her homeland.

A devoted Catholic woman, Leila was a member of St. Egbert’s Catholic Church in Morehead City. Her faith was a steady presence throughout her life, and she faithfully followed Mass, drawing strength and peace from her beliefs.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her son, John Chaanine and his wife Tess of Morehead City, NC; and her grandchildren, Andrew, Eleina, Addison, and Kennedy.

In addition to her parents, Leila was preceded in death by her son, Michel Chaanine; and her 6 brothers.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to Martha’s Mission Cupboard, Inc. at P.O. Box 603, Morehead City, NC 28557.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.