In Loving Memory of Susie (Souad) Chelico

With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Susie (Souad) Chelico, on July 21, 2026, at the age of 86.

Souad was born on March 15, 1940, in the ancient port city of Jaffa, then Palestine, now part of Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. Trained as a hairdresser, she immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1969, where she became known as “Susie”. She possessed a love of beauty that manifested in both her personal fashion as well as the hairstyles she created. Her timeless elegance, charisma, and personal flair were hallmarks that made her unforgettable.

Susie met the love of her life, Mike (Michel) Chelico in Toronto where they also married and had their first daughter, Liza. With the arrival of their second daughter, Linda, the family moved to Oshawa and in 1982, they relocated to Melfort, Saskatchewan.

In Melfort, Susie and Mike became well-known members of the community through their restaurant La Hacienda, later known as Venice House, and eventually, Little Venice. For more than 26 years until its closing in 2008, they welcomed generations of customers. For many, Susie was the first face they saw when they arrived. She had a gift for remembering people, taking an interest in their lives, and making them feel at home. She had a special affection for children and they would often experience her kindness and attention during their meal at the restaurant. This made the restaurant into a gathering place where lasting relationships were formed between Susie and the customers.

When she was not working, Susie expressed her artistic side in fashion and makeup, drawing, as well as Arabic dance and music. Susie also had a passion for classic Arabic movies and loved many of the stars of that era. On her more private side, Susie’s faith and daily prayers created a quiet resilience that guided her and her family through countless difficult times. Even when the path ahead seemed uncertain, Susie never wavered in her faith that God was with her and would provide according to His perfect will. In addition to her faith, the love of her family was also a cornerstone. Susie’s happiest years were those spent caring for her grandsons, Phillip and Gianni, during the first years of their lives. She poured her love into them and cherished every moment she spent helping to raise them.

Her favorite holiday was Christmas. In anticipation of the family event, she would labour over traditional middle eastern foods and desserts of which each morsel was an attestation to her deep love for her everyone. For weeks, she would work daily to create a beautifully adorned holiday home. The best part of any Christmas present from Susie was the personalized cards which were always a source of plenty of laughs and memories on Christmas morning. Susie’s sense of humour did not end with her cards but also when she would share Arabic jokes that made everyone laugh and lit up the room in a way that only she could.

Susie leaves behind her devoted husband, Michel “Mike” Chelico, her loving daughters, Liza Chelico (Yousry Habashi) and Linda Chelico (Mo Kbeili); and her cherished grandchildren, Phillip, Gianni, Nabil, and Zain, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. She will also be lovingly remembered by her extended family, lifelong friends, and the many members of the Melfort community whose lives she touched.

The Chelico family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the people of Melfort. Mike and Susie were deeply thankful for the friendship, kindness, and support they received over the years. The community welcomed them as newcomers, embraced them as friends, and supported them as business owners. Those relationships remained a treasured part of Susie’s life.

While our hearts are broken by her passing, we are deeply grateful for the gift of her life. Her legacy of love, faith, and resilience will ensure in the heart of all who knew her.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day”

May her memory be eternal.

*It was very important to Susie that her daughters received higher education, something that Susie could not experience. In memory of Susie the family is establishing a scholarship to support higher education for women. To make a gift to USask in memory, visit: https://donate.usask.ca/online/medicine.php – Choose gift designation as “other area specified in comments” and Indicate “Chelico Fund” in the comment section or call 306-966-5186. Thank you for your generosity and support.”

Arrangements entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chapel & Crematorium Ltd. (306)752-3838.

• Date : 2026-07-21
• Location : Melfort