Laila Daoud Karas, 86, Madison, CT, formerly of North Haven, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 20th, 2021. She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Shawky F. Karas. Laila was born in Cairo, Egypt on September 10th, 1934 and was the daughter of the late Daoud and Helene Habashi.
She worked for many years as a Library Assistant for the Town of North Haven Public Library. Laila was one of 8 children, all born in Egypt, who have all predeceased her. She will be remembered most by family and friends for her contagious laughter, her warm and witty personality and her generosity of spirit. She was instrumental in helping many in the Egyptian Coptic community immigrate to the United States. Laila, along with her husband, opened their home and helped many find jobs and settle into a new country.
Laila and Dr. Karas were passionate about traveling the world and experiencing other cultures. During their time together, they visited well over 25 countries. They were also passionate about the Coptic Church and early supporters of the establishment of the Virgin Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Church in Hamden, Connecticut.
A loving and kind mother, Laila leaves behind, two daughters and two sons and their spouses: Waffa (Karas) and Albert Fusco of North Branford, CT, Joseph and Sherry Karas of Bernardsville, NJ, Dr. John and Eman (Karas) Federico of Whitefish, MT, Dr. David and Nancy Karas of Madison, CT; 10 grandchildren and their spouses: Jerome Fusco of NYC, Ali (Fusco) and Andrew Grazio of Branford, CT, Amanda (Karas) and Renato Tambellini of NYC, Andrew Karas of NYC, Blake Paradis of Washington DC, Spencer Paradis of Las Vegas, NV, Austin Paradis of NYC, Emily Karas of Norwalk, CT, Matthew Karas of NYC and Nell Karas of Madison, CT.
Private funeral services have been entrusted to The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Memorial contributions may be made to the Virgin Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Church, 87 Benham Street, Hamden, CT 06517.
I had the pleasure of working with Laila at the Library. She was truly one of the nicest and kindest person I have ever met. God Bless her and my condolences to her family.
To the Karas family, I’m sorry for your loss. I knew Laila from the North Haven library. Most would remember her there, as the lady with the accent, and she was quite the special lady. I will always remember her, as my friend.It was an honor, knowing Ms. Laila..Rest in Peace Madame Laila.
Carlo Marinuzzi
Our deepest condolences to the Karas family. Laila was a vivacious and wonderful woman. Her smile and laugh were contagious and you could tell she really enjoyed being with people. We had the pleasure of having her over a couple of times for dinner and she entertained us with so many delightful stories. She will truly be missed.