Almasy Khano

Almasy Khano

Beloved Daughter, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, fun loving Aunt & Friend

April 20, 1939 – March 9, 2026

It is with profound love and peaceful hearts that we announce the passing of my mother, Almasy Khano, 86, who left this world gently on March 9, 2026. She was the proud daughter of Paulos and Sourma Khano, and she carried their legacy with grace and quiet strength every day of her life.

As a young girl, she left school to care for her family’s home and farm when her mother fell ill — a sacrifice that set the tone for a lifetime of giving. She immigrated to the United States and made her home in Chicago, where she enrolled at Lakeview High School to learn English, determined to build a life on her own terms. She went on to forge a remarkable career as a seamstress at Marshall Field’s, one of the finest department stores in the country, where she worked in the prestigious 28th shop couture department during fashion shows and even sang in the store’s choir. Her talent, determination, and charm made her unforgettable.

Her work ethic was the foundation of everything. She instilled in her children the belief that a woman must always stand on her own: work hard, make your own money, and never depend on anyone else. She lived every word of that lesson.

But Almasy was far more than her accomplishments. She was the kind of person who showed up — always. She traveled to Kentucky and Vermont for her loved ones’ weddings without a second thought. She was the night owl who could be found out and about until midnight well into her grandmother years. She was fiercely devoted to her siblings, her nieces and nephews, and her great-nieces and nephews, for whom her love only grew with time. She made each one feel like they were her favorite.

She was also, it must be said, irrepressibly herself. She used to drive a red car to celebrate a new chapter in her life. She used whatever words she pleased, loudly and without apology. She would tell you she didn’t gamble — the penny slots were simply an exception. And when her great-niece Meghan challenged her to a plank contest in her mid-seventies, Almasy won without hesitation.

Almasy gave and gave until her very last breath. She was a loyalist to the core — unwavering in her love, relentless in her support, and impossible to forget. The world is quieter without her, and richer for everything she left behind.

RIP Mommy 

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She is survived by her children: Kristina (Jonathan), Kristopher (Noelle), and Sourma;

her beloved grandchildren Olivia, Keen, Charles, Zayn, and Nyla; her siblings: the late Emmanuel (Susan) Khano, her beloved sister Romy (late Peter) Ishu, and Badal (Lillian) Khano; her cherished nieces and nephews: Evelyn (Troy) Smith, Albert (Cindy) Ishu, Johnny Ishu, David Khano, Stephanie (Maher) Lawando, Paul Khano, and Ami (Rami) Mikhail; her great-nieces and nephews: Katherine (Simon) Goldstein, Meghan (Jimmy) Durkin, Jeff Smith, Heather Ishu-Daley (Collin), CJ (Millie) Ishu, Andrew Ishu, Samantha Lawando, Luke Lawando, Emma Lawando, Taylor Mikhail, and Alli Mikhail; her great-great-nephew and niece George and Lucy Durkin; and a precious new great-great-niece, expected this Spring.

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