Feryal “Fifi” Paden

Feryal “Fifi” Paden passed peacefully at her home on December 20 ^th , 2014 with her loving family by her side. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vermont in Lawrence, Kansas on Saturday January 31, 2015 at 10 a.m.

She was born December 19, 1939 in Haifa, Palestine, the daughter of Atiya and Fareeda Shaya Saleh. Her family immigrated to the United States in 1955 and settled in Buffalo, NY.

She married Charles Milton Paden November 17, 1962 in Buffalo, NY. He preceded her in death on July 20, 2012. They moved to Raytown, MO and eventually settled in Independence, MO to begin their marriage and start a family. The family relocated to Lawrence, KS to take over Nabil’s Restaurant later renamed Fifi’s Restaurant in 1982. They owned and operated restaurants and a catering business with their three children for 20 years.

Fifi’s was an award winning restaurant in the Hillcrest Shopping Center. Many favorite dishes included Steak Diane, Chicken Dijon, Lobster Fettuccini Alfredo and homemade bread. Many local chefs and aspiring restaurateurs were influenced in their careers by her experience. Fifi was the iconic personality behind the restaurants and catered to the Lawrence community.

Survivors include two sons, Keith Paden and wife, Christy of Overland Park, KS, Brian Paden and wife, Mary, Lawrence; one daughter, Pam Paden, Lawrence; five grandchildren, Jordan, Alec, and Justin Paden of Overland Park, Wrenn and Cale Paden of Lawrence; sister, Samira Khoury; three brothers Sami, Nabil and George Saleh. She was loved by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, active in the Lawrence community, along with being an avid KU fan. She loved the Jayhawks!

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Trinity Episcopal Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain.