Samira Kassees Tuel

Samira Kassees Tuel, 89, of Richmond, Kentucky passed away at her home on November 5,2024. She was born on February 11, 1935 in Jerusalem, Palestine, to Dr. Saadallah Kassees and Asma Musallem Kassees. She was the wife of E. Duane Tuel for 58 years until he preceded her in death in April of 2022.

Samira came to the United States in 1960 with her mother.  After living in a few other cities, they settled in Winston Salem, NC with her brother Kamil.  This is where she met Duane, who was working for RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company.  They had a true love at first sight romance that lasted for 58 years of marriage.  They married on November 13, 1965, moved back to Kentucky, Duane’s home, and settled in  Richmond.  In 1980 Samira became a citizen of the United States, she loved this country and was thrilled to place her vote during the early voting just days ago.

Samira worked as a Librarian at Eastern Kentucky University for 36 years.  She loved her job at the University and made many lifelong friends.  She was also an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Richmond and later St. Hubert's Episcopal Church. She served in many roles at the church she loved so much.  She was on the Church Vestry for several terms as well as ECW President and served for many years as the coordinator of the kitchen and special events.  Her love for her church and church family was unmeasurable.  

Samira’s children and grandchildren brought her the most joy in her life.  She is survived by two children Tia (Chuck) Matthews of Lexington and John (Tyeis) Tuel of Richmond, four grandchildren Peyton Tuel, Clay Matthews, Parker Tuel, and Molly Matthews, one sister Vera Mogannum, two sisters-in-law Martha Kassees and Christine Shugars, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Samira loved to entertain and cook for family and friends.  Her family all had their favorite Arabic dishes, and she never failed to make those on birthdays and holidays and special occasions.  But, she would always say, “I don’t bake, I let Duane do that.” Cooking and entertaining are one of the many things they both shared a love of.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by his brothers, John, George, Kamil and Samir Kassees, and sisters, Widad Akl and Doris Salman.