The Libbus family regret to announce the peaceful passing of their mother and sitty, Stella Libbus, on the morning of June 4, 2026.

Born on October 6, 1932, Stella was the daughter of Syrian immigrants, Philip and Laura (Kyte) Shaheen.

She grew up on Prince Street in the home that housed her father’s barber shop surrounded by a close-knit extended family. Her childhood was deeply rooted in Syrian culture, filled with traditional food, music, dance, and the Arabic language.

In 1955, she married Jamael Libbus and moved into the Libbus Block where once again she was surrounded by a large extended family.

Stella’s home was never quiet. Drop-ins from relatives and “honorary” family members were the norm, always centered around playing tarabish and enjoying Syrian/Lebanese food – especially her homemade Syrian bread. She was known for her endless hospitality. Nobody left hungry!

Stella was a member of the Daughters of Mary of the St. Joseph Syrian and Lebanese Benevolent Society. She was a member of the Syrian-Lebanese dance group who performed at various venues during the 1967 Centennial year. Stella was an avid bowler with the Cedars Bowling League. She also enjoyed playing the slots at the Casino.

Stella began her working career at Moffat’s I.G.A. For over twenty-five years, she was employed at the Smart Shop in the lingerie department.

Stella raised her family to walk with faith, treat others with respect and to be proud of their Lebanese/Syrian heritage.

She is survived by her sons, Joe (Linda), Doug (Thelma), Billy (Margaret), and daughter-in-law, Madonna Libbus. Stella was a loving sitty to Chandra (Chris), Carissa, Jordan (Danielle), Jamael (Kendra), Samantha (Carter), and her great grandchildren, Lena, Emily, Brooklynn, and Beau Jamael. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Ellen Shaheen and Morena Libbus, brother-in-law, Don Dunlop, and many nieces and nephews.

Stella was predeceased by her husband, Jamael; son, Ronnie (Kibby); brothers; Tom (Lottie), Louis (Sarah), Peter, Ike (Rita), and Joe; sisters, Alice Dunlop, Mary (Lee) Isaac, and Martha (Jim) Jewer.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Dr., Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 3 – 6 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 8, at St. Theresa’s Church, Whitney Avenue, at 11 am with Father Evo DiPierro and Father Albert Maroun officiating. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the T.J. Tracey Facebook page. A reception will follow at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Resurrection Cemetery.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com