Josephine Hajjar Obituary

Josephine Hajjar, 100, formerly of Chatham, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, just two days after celebrating her 100th birthday. Born in Karoun, Lebanon, Josephine left her homeland in 1956 with her beloved husband, Salem Hajjar, and daughters Mae and Claudette, to begin a new chapter in Senegal, West Africa. In 1963, they immigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Paterson, New Jersey, where they raised their family and became part of the vibrant Syrian-Lebanese community. In 2002, she moved to Chatham, where she spent the last two decades of her life surrounded by family.

Josephine and Salem ran a small grocery store in Senegal for seven years before moving to the United States. Once in New Jersey, they proudly owned and operated the Paterson Syrian-Lebanese Bakery, the first pita bread bakery in the state, from 1968 to 1976. Following the bakery, Josephine worked for many years at Keystone Camera Company until her retirement.

Josephine was a devout parishioner of St. Anthony Orthodox Church in Bergenfield. Her kitchen table was always full, and no one ever left her home hungry. Her legendary rice remains a treasured family recipe that no one has quite been able to replicate. She cherished her siblings deeply and carried their memory with her throughout her life.

She was predeceased by her husband of over 50 years, Salem (2002); her son-in-law, Akl; and her siblings George, Jamil, Selma, Phillip, Shakeeb and Yvonne.

Josephine is survived by her loving daughters, Mae Hajjar, and her late husband Akl, and Claudette Maher and her husband Melvin; her cherished grandchildren Nicole Takla and her husband Michael, Maliad Maher and his wife Michelle, Paul Hajjar and his wife Jennifer, and Danielle Dunbar and her husband Mathew; and her adored great-grandchildren Ryan and Joseph Takla; Emma and Dylan Maher; Max and Josephine Hajjar; and Noah and Shane Dunbar. She also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday morning from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hancliffe Home for Funerals, 222 Ridgedale Ave., East Hanover. Funeral services will begin immediately afterward, followed by entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or St. Anthony Orthodox Church, 385 Ivy Lane, Bergenfield, NJ 07621.