Most people know Bahia as Lily Elias. She passed away on Monday the 18th of January at the age of 85 ather home in Aliso Viejo, ÇA ending her battle with cancer of the blood.
She was born in Delingat, near Cairo, Egypt on June tenth 1935 to Youssef Halim and Hayat Sidhum. Lily was the oldest of her siblings: Maryrose, Mona, Nadia, and brother, any.
In September of 1935 she got married to Dr. Selim A. Elias, M.D. and they lived in Heliopolis, Cairo. They had a daughter, Rose and a son, Sami. She taught at Sami's elementary school, St. George's College until the family immigrated to the U.S.
in April of 1967.
They lived in Westchester County where Selim worked at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute, and she as an aid at a nursing home. About two later they relocated to Franklin, Pennsylvania where he established a medical office. While her children were in high school Lily earned a bachelor's degree in childhood education and minored in psychology, from Clarion State College . Then she worked with her husband in the medical office.
In summer of 1978, they moved to Salisbury,MD where Selim reestablished his practice and worked for the county. After 27 years of marriage Selim passed away from lung cancer. By then Rose was an RN and Sami on his way to a medical degree.
Lily decided to continue her education and earned a degree in Leisure Studies from Salisbury State College.
Eventually in 1988, she joined her children in Orange County. She worked at several furniture stores until back problems forced her to retire. For 16 years she worked for a local hospice. She was proud to be called Sunshine by the caregivers she relieved.
For about 18 years Lily studied painting and passionately painted and enjoyed the arts of Orange County.This was a great bonding time with her daughter who majored in Fine Art. As she got older she loved to play Words with Friends and kept in touch with friends and relatives around the world. She was multi talented and very creative.
Despite any hardships in her life Lily was an optimist who was so grateful for her many blessings. Even in her sickness she needed her lipstick to feel better.
Bahia is survived by her daughter Rose Mary E Bell, son, Sami Elias, son in law, Kevin Bell.
Grand daughters: Julia Marie, and Christina Claire Bell
Sisters: Maryrose Halim, Mona Armanios,Nadia Guirguis,and brother, Hany Youssef Halim.
Her nieces, Maha Guirguis, Mona El Sakr, Mary Armanios, Febe Armanios and nephew Rafik Halim.
Sister in law Mary Assad Shokry, Nephews in law Selim Wahba, and Father Nabil Wahba.

SERVICE
Thursday January 28th,2021
Saint John Neumann Catholic Church
5105 Alton Parkway
Officiant: Father Tony Park
Pall bearers: Kevin Bell, Elie Bahou, Kirby Smith, Yosry Armanios

Three words that sum up her life: "Don't Give Up"