Chermine A. Rifai

Chermine A. Rifai 76, of DeKalb, IL passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at Northwestern Medicine – Central Dupage Hospital in Winfield, IL.  She was born December 9, 1944 in Cairo, Egypt and was the daughter of Mohamed Aziz Safwat and Samiha Tewfik Aly.

Chermine had a master's degree in Education from Syracuse University and a P.H.D. in English literature from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt.  She loved to garden, sew, workout at the YMCA daily, and to travel, enjoying time abroad between the states and Cairo, Egypt.  She especially loved to spend time with her four grandchildren, loving husband of 55 years, daughters and her brother and his family.

Survivors include; husband; Ahmed Kamel Rifai, two daughters; Ingy Ahmed Rifai of Egypt and Zeineb "ZuZu" (Chris) Rifai Puentes of Sycamore.  Brother; Tarek Mohamed Aziz (Nevine) Safwat of Egypt.  Four grandchildren; Sarah Elsherbini, Ahmed Elsherbini, Kayla Puentes and Emily Puentes.  One niece, Yasmine and one nephew; Mohamed.  She was preceded in death by; her parents and son-in-law, Mohamed Elsherbini.

Funeral service will be Friday, June 18, 2021 at 2:15pm at Finch Funeral Home.  Burial will be immediately following the service at Fairview Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Friday, June 18, 2021 at 1:00pm until the time of service at the funeral home.  Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.