Leslie Abdo

Leslie Freeman Abdo was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and a friend. She left this world to rest peacefully with the Lord on January 28, 2022, at the age of 60.

Leslie was born to Clyde and Wayne Freeman on May 7, 1961. She graduated from Vestavia Hills High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She pursued her career as a registered nurse caring for patients in the Birmingham community and managing clinical research at UAB Hospital. She was extremely bright and spoke both the Lebanese dialect of Arabic and Spanish. Leslie also had an ear for music playing the organ and piano.

Leslie joined St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church in 1986 and quickly became an active member of the Ladies Alter Society and the Church Choir, where she loved everyone and was loved by everyone. She was a dedicated choir member and substitute organist for 23 years, including 10 years directing the choir. Her ability to learn traditional Maronite Hymns in English, Aramaic and Arabic, and quickly learning to understand and speak the Lebanese dialect, earned her the nickname of “aajeebe” (miracle in Lebanese) from a close friend at St. Elias.

Leslie also loved and excelled at cooking. American, Lebanese, Mexican, and Chinese food were her favorites. Cannot forget her best desert – cheesecake, for which she always earned the hard to come stamp of approval from her late father. She loved our children dearly. Taking care of and spending happy moments with them were her top priorities. She also enjoyed spending time with the rest of the family and friends in United States and in Lebanon. We will always cherish times together we spent on Lake Mitchell, Gulf Shores, and other places in the U.S. and abroad.

She is survived by her beloved husband Fares Abdo, son Jacob Abdo (Erica), son Michael Abdo, granddaughter Olivia Abdo, mother Wayne Freeman, sister Paula Hardy (Doug), nephews Sam (Hannah) and Scott Hardy, stepmother Nelle Freeman, and many extended family members in the United States and abroad.

She was preceded in death by her father Clyde Freeman and her grandparents Ralph and Pauline Terhune and her grandmother Lois Freeman Carraway.

Visitation followed by funeral service will be at Saint Elias Maronite Catholic Church in Birmingham, AL, on Wednesday, February 2nd. Visitation starts at 9:00 AM, followed by Rosary at 10:00, followed by liturgy at 10:30. Interment to follow at St Elias Church Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Association, Alabama Chapter, or St. Elias Church.

The family extends its sincere appreciation for the support received from many friends and caregivers during Leslie’s ailment, especially Demnah Tumarong who provided care for Leslie over more than 5 years with undisputable true love. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.curriejefferson.com.