On July 7, 2023 the gracious spirit of Nanette Bishara Kenien transitioned from the presence of her loving family and was reunited with the love of her life Faris Kenien. No words can accurately capture the magnificence of Nan’s life story nor the contributions she brought to those that knew and loved her.
Nanette was born September 30th, 1930 the first child of Oakly and Marie Bishara in Brooklyn, NY . By coincidence her father, who was an immigrant from Lebanon, traveled by ship to Ellis Island with another Lebanese immigrant that would later
become Nanette’s father-in-law. Her family relocated to Binghamton when Nanette was young where she attended local schools and graduated from Binghamton Central High school. Nanette was in high school when fate intervened and her best friend introduced her to the man who would capture her heart and soul for eternity…Faris M.Kenien. They corresponded by mail while Faris served in WWII and Nanette graduated. After his return from the war they were married in 1949.
Their love was built on a foundation of total and mutual commitment to each other, lasting until the moment Nanette passed even though Faris died in March 2009. Even after his passing, Nan would speak his name and a glow would fill her heart and emanate from her eyes. Their lives were further fulfilled with three children who now grieve but also celebrate Nan’s life: daughters Kathy (Chris) Stack (Endwell, NY), Kristine (Glen) Kennedy (Winchester, VA) and son Michael (Linda) Kenien (Endicott, NY). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Michael (Mikaela) Stack, Fara (Jon) Shoudy, Adam (Alua) Kennedy, Shane (Brandi) Kennedy, Cara (Dmitry) Ponomarev, Michelle (Anthony) Olevano, Olivia (Vance) Kunze and several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends all or whom will cherish their memories of time with “Nan”, ”Auntie”, “Grandma”, or “GG”. She was pre-deceased by a brother Roy Bishara.
The word “devotion” might well describe Nan’s lifelong value system. She was first and foremost a devoted wife and mother. Family was first in every aspect of her life. When her children no longer required Nanette’s full attention at home she began a career at IBM. She also committed her loyal support and attendance to Endwell United Methodist Church for over 65 years. Nanette was a fantastic cook and renowned for her Lebanese cuisine and holiday pastries … a skill which she graciously passed to next generations. She enjoyed gardening and was highly knowledgeable of flower varieties and color combinations to create beautiful gardens. She loved to travel with her beloved Faris and they enjoyed multiple trips and cruises throughout the Middle East. They wintered for several months each year at Siesta Key, Fla. and spent summer months at their cottage on Page Lake,
PA.
There was also a “spirited” side of Nanette that became obvious when you challenged her to a game of scrabble and she always enjoyed a trip to a casino where she loved to play the slots although if things didn’t come out quite right she’d say “…those machines were cheapskates!”
The family would like to express sincere thanks to the nursing staff of Good Shepherd Village of Endwell Nursing Home where Nan resided for the last year and a half. Their caring support was instrumental in easing Nan’s transition.
The poet Helen Keller once said: “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.” Nanette will live forever in the hearts of those that knew her.
Funeral services will be held 10 am, Monday July 17th at Endwell United Methodist Church, 3301 Watson Blvd., Endwell. Burial will be in Floral Park Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Sunday, July 16th from 3-5 pm, and Monday at church from 9 am until service time at 10 am.
Expressions of sympathy in Nanette’s name may be made to: Mercy House of the Southern Tier www.mercyhousesoutherntier.com 607-321-1857 or Endwell United Methodist Church www.endwellumc.org 607-754-5735.