Remembering the Life and Faith of Nuha Arabo
Nuha Arabo surrounded by her family.
By Bianca Brikho
For anyone who knew Nuha Arabo, one thing was immediately clear: she had a presence that could light up any room.
Her smile was constant, her laughter contagious, and her warmth made people feel instantly at ease. Whether surrounded by family or greeting someone for the first time, Nuha had a natural kindness that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
After more than two decades of courageously battling cancer, Nuha Arabo passed away on December 30, 2025, at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy defined not by illness, but by faith, resilience, and extraordinary devotion to her family.
Those closest to her say that while cancer was a part of her story, it never defined who she was. “Cancer never took away her joy,” said her daughter, Tabetha Kassab. “She chose to live every day with faith and gratitude.”
Nuha’s battle with cancer began in 2002, when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The diagnosis came as a shock, but those who knew Nuha say she faced it the same way she approached every challenge in life: with determination and trust in God.
She underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments while balancing the responsibilities of family life. Through it all, her focus remained on the people she loved most: her husband and children.
After more than a year of treatment, Nuha entered remission. Nearly a decade later, however, cancer returned. In 2012, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Once again, she endured surgeries and treatments with remarkable courage, determined to overcome yet another challenge.
Over the years that followed, cancer continued to return, forcing Nuha to face repeated treatments and medical uncertainty. With unwavering faith and grit, she fought the disease for more than 23 years, exploring every treatment option available and refusing to give up hope.
Nuha was featured in the December issue of the Chaldean News in 2017, when it was thought that she had beaten both Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and breast cancer; however, in 2019, doctors discovered that the cancer had progressed to metastatic breast cancer, stage 4. Despite aggressive treatment and numerous therapies, the disease continued to spread.
Yet even during the most difficult moments, Nuha’s spirit remained unshaken. “She believed this was the cross God had given her,” said her daughter, Lexi Ayar. “And she carried it with grace.” Throughout her treatments, she rarely spoke about her pain. “Any time she talked about carrying her cross, she would say, ‘If Jesus can do it, I can do it,’” said her daughter-in-law, Brittany Arabo.
“She never let the illness define her,” shared her son, Bernard Arabo. “She stayed positive and focused on the people around her.”
During the later stages of her cancer, family members frequently stayed with her to provide support. Despite the pain she was experiencing, she still encouraged her children to return home each evening to be with their own families. “That was just who she was,” Lexi said. “She always thought about everyone else first.”
“She taught us how to live,” her family said. Her children say they often find themselves asking a simple question when facing difficult moments: “What would Mom do?”
The answer, they say, almost always leads back to the same place: Faith. Love. Compassion. That is how Nuha Arabo lived her life. And this is how she will always be remembered.