Obituary of Dr. John Noshi Atallah Atia

Dr. John Noshi Atallah Atia passed away at the young age of 57 in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Born in Zagazig, Egypt, Dr. Atia came from endearing and faithful parents who instilled kindness, dedication, and faith into their children. He was predeceased by his father, Noshi Atallah Atia, and he is survived by his beloved mother, Amal Shokry Sakla. Dr. Atia is survived by his wife, Lydia Badr Edward Fouad and his children whom he cherished, Manuel “Mano” and Melissa. He is also survived by his siblings, George (Emily), Joseph (Christine), Antwan “Tony” (Joann), and his many nieces and nephews who love him dearly. Dr. Atia grew up in the cities of Sohag and Tanta in Egypt. He entered medical school at Cairo University and graduated in 1989 specializing in Family Medicine. From a young age he could lighten the mood of any room he walked into. Dr. Atia’s humor was one of his greatest blessings, he could diffuse nearly any situation with loving humor. In 1995, he married the love of his life: Lydia Badr Edward Fouad. He adored Lydia (and her cooking!) and he was thrilled to expand their family with the birth of their children. In 2009, Dr. Atia immigrated alone to St Alban’s, Newfoundland to spare his family the burden of adjusting to a new country - he established himself in career and life before his family joined him a year later. In 2012 they relocated to Dieppe, NB and Dr. Atia established a family practice in Amherst, NS. He worked at the local hospitals both in Springhill and Amherst, where he provided outpatient and emergency care. Despite his practice being overwhelmed, he continually accepted new patients whenever asked. He had a heart of service and strived to care for as many people as he possibly could. Similarly, Dr. Atia was known for going over and above for his patients and colleagues alike. His colleagues and patients recall his joyful and cheerful spirit, and the clever and endearing nicknames he would give people. He was often heard smiling saying, “I coming, I coming” or calling nearly everyone “habibi”. Dr. Atia’s family is thankful to know how loved he was by his staff members at the hospital, and to hear all the touching and funny stories that have been shared by them. He cared so much for his colleagues, and it is comforting to know that in his final moments he was being taken care of by them. Anyone who knew Dr. Atia fondly recalls the immense joy his children brought him. To the world he was Dr. Atia, but to his children he was “Baba” - a true family man who was stoic but also tender. He lived to bring his family joy. At home, he was known to clean and organize things (at any time of day), and he loved collecting antiques. He would speak in Arabic so that his children do not lose their native language. His children will always remember how protective he was of their mother, Lydia. He never liked to see her upset, and he often could be found joyfully describing her kindness. Their love was unique, and the patience and care that they had for one another was unmatched. Dr. Atia pushed his children to excel - he did so because he saw their God-given potential. He did everything in his power to provide his children with the things they would need to succeed in life. His work ethic was relentless. When his children would ask him why he worked so hard, he would respond “for you - it’s all for you.” Indeed, it was. Dr. Atia never wanted Lydia, Mano or Melissa to be inconvenienced, and he would joyfully take on additional labour if it meant sparing his loved ones trouble. He cherished anything his children gave him; his office was adorned with photos of his family and drawings from Melissa and Mano. Dr. Atia’s caring nature and joyful spirit were by-products of his faith. He was a devout man, and he spent much of his time outside of work helping establish the Coptic community in New Brunswick. One of the greatest gifts he imparted on his children was his faith. He and Lydia raised their children to know the Lord and to trust in God’s love and providence. This faith will be the firm ground they stand on in their father’s memory and legacy. On their trips to Egypt, he would beam with eagerness and excitement when visiting monasteries. When his family would be ready for sleep, his excitement kept them awake for “just one more” monastery. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre and the staff at All Saints Springhill Hospital and the communities in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023, at 12 PM at St Mena’s Coptic Orthodox Church at 167 Willett Street, Halifax, NS B3M 3L6. The service will be officiated by Hegumen Fr. Daniel Rizg and Fr. Thomas Iskarous, with the burial to follow immediately at Saint John’s Cemetery at 6 Bedford Highway, Halifax, NS B3M 1C2. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St Mena’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Halifax. For E-transfers: stmenadonation@hotmail.com