Marguerite Ghobrial

Marguerite “Rita” Ghobrial

September 1, 1923 – October 3, 2025

Yorktown Heights, New York

Marguerite Nicola Ghobrial, 102 years and 32 days young, of Yorktown Heights, New York, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025. Born on September 1, 1923, in Cairo, Egypt, she was a devoted wife to the late Fikri W. Ghobrial, a loving mother to her three sons—Magdy, Sameh, and Kareem—and a cherished grandmother to Kareem, Nicole Hope, and John, as well as a proud great-grandmother to Azzah Odette and Asher Shams.

Affectionately known as “Rita,” she grew up in Egypt, where she attended school and later became both an educator and a nurturing mother. When Rita graduated with a degree in Home Economics, she was one of twenty five students, and only four females who received their degree from the University that year. Rita was then personally invited to Alexandria to shake King Farook’s hand after graduation, a proud and priceless moment for her. On September 17, 1971, Rita and her family immigrated to the United States on a one-way ticket and a dream, settling into their new life with faith and determination. Soon after, she began working at Reader’s Digest, commuting daily by bus until her retirement in 1986. Following her retirement, she and Fikri enjoyed traveling, including a memorable three-month trip to China before his own retirement.

Rita was devoted to her family and faith. Every Sunday, she accompanied her husband to church, where together they served faithfully until 2013. Though she preferred not to be the center of attention, Rita was undoubtedly the heart of her home and center of her kitchen where she cooked endless meals for family and friends. Her legendary meals included ta’ameya, kabab halla, tahina, kunafa, baklava, and pancakes, nourishing family, friends, and neighbors alike. No matter how many guests arrived, there was always enough food to go around – somehow with leftovers for days. Her secret recipe for generosity was simple: love and gratitude (“Ahlan wa sahlan”).

She is survived by her sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and daughters-in-law, Melanie, Jean, and Amelia, sister-in-law Soad and niece Hala. Rita loved her family with all her heart.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Virgin Mary & St. Pachomius Coptic Orthodox Church, a cause close to Rita’s heart and her lifelong passion for feeding others.

Rita was the kindest, most generous, and most forgiving soul. She thanked the Lord daily for her small blessings and never once complained—even to her last breath. She left this world surrounded by love, blowing kisses to her family, and thanking God for a wonderful life. She often prayed, “Lord, please don’t take me when I am young, but please don’t forget me when I am old.” Her prayer was answered in full.