Obituary of Nawal (Nelly) ZAITZEFF (nee Abdel-Kader)

July 26, 1942 – Cairo, Egypt
July 4, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Nawal (Nelly) Zaitzeff, of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 4, 2021 at the age of 78 years.

Nelly was born in Cairo, Egypt on July 26, 1942. She graduated from the University of Alexandria, Egypt where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Literature and Language.  

She immigrated to Calgary, AB, Canada in 1967 and obtained her Bachelor of Education. Nelly taught Arabic at the Junior High Level and French at the University of Calgary. 

Nelly is predeceased by her Husband Serge Zaitzeff (June, 2014) who she married in 1972. Nelly was incredibly supportive of Serge and learned Spanish to assist him with research and editing. 

Nelly was an avid reader and an exceptional cook. She loved music of all sorts from classical to Latin with a special affection for Argentinian Tango. She enjoyed online games and puzzles. Nelly and Serge travelled extensively and shared a passion for Mexico, Latin America and Florida. 

Nelly will be fondly remembered as a loyal, loving, open minded, kind and gentle woman who lived her life with formidable integrity, strength of character and wisdom. She was a highly respected and admired friend/sister/aunt. She will be profoundly missed by her friends and family.

Nelly is survived by her brother Hamada (Christiane), her nephew Karim (Dalaura), and grandnephews and nieces, Olivia, Luca and Grace; and her brother-in-law Michel Zaitzeff (Yolaine) and their daughter Nastasia. She is also survived by many cousins, including Hassan El Shaffei, Hany Mounib and Gilan Monnem.  

The family thanks all family members and dear friends for their love, help and support including Brian Gill and Ana Val, Tony and Nadia Anton, Teresa Gallad, Omar, Mindy, Rami and Hannah Ali, and Sherifa El’Defrawi.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Nawal’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Nawal Zaitzeff, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.