Bassam Khalil Shatara of Grand Rapids, Michigan (formerly of Palestine) passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2019. He was born to Khalil and Georgette Shatara on August 12, 1950, in Gaza, Palestine. Bassam was the eldest of five children. He attended college at De La Salle College in Malta. He was a business owner and beloved part of the community. He was married to Nawal (Abu Zuluf) Shatara for forty-five years. He loved to be with his family, playing cards, and visiting the casino. He shared his love of collecting coins with his family. He enjoyed traveling and lived in many countries: Palestine, Jordan, Libya, Malta, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. His grandchildren were the light of his life. He was the foundation and the strength of his family. Bassam is survived by his beloved wife of forty-five years, Nawal; loving children Nancy (Todd) Griffioen, Reem (Greg) Yaw, Eman, and Ahmad (Heather) Shatara; sisters Randa and Shireen; brothers Sami and Basel; nine grandchildren Jessi, Estella, Selena, Alyssa, Lainey, Michael, Georgette, Scarlett, and Miles; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Georgette and Khalil. The family would like to thank Hospice of Holland for their care and compassion during Bassam's illness. Relatives and friends may call on the family during a time of visitation from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Kentwood, MI 49508. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Peter Vu at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2019, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 1253 52nd Street SE, Kentwood, MI 49508. There will be a visitation one hour prior to Mass. After the burial, you are welcome to join the family for a luncheon from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Russo's Pizzeria at 6209 S. Division, Grand Rapids, MI 49548. Bassam has requested that those attending his celebration of life do not wear black. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.



Service Information

Visitation
When: Thursday, July 18, 2019 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Ofield Funeral Home
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SEKentwood,MI 49508

Second Visitation
When: Friday, July 19, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: Ofield Funeral Home
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SEKentwood,MI 49508

Service
When: Friday, July 19, 2019 11:00am
Location: St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church
Address: 1253 52nd St. SEKentwood,Michigan

Interment
When: Friday, July 19, 2019
Location: Blain Cemetery
Address: 1270 68th Street SEGrand Rapids,Michigan 49508