It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Henriette Jamil Nicola Banna Karadsheh, 95, of Okemos, Michigan, on January 24, 2026. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. Henriette was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Henriette was born on March 23, 1930, in Jerusalem, Palestine, to Alexander Banna and Salma Nicola. She grew up in Jerusalem with her six siblings. In 1948, during the Palestinian War, Henriette and her family left Palestine for Jordan. They eventually settled in Amman, where they became owners of several movie theaters.

Soon after arriving in Amman, Henriette traveled to Alexandria, Egypt, to earn her teaching certificate. She often described her time in Egypt as a lovely adventure by the Mediterranean Sea, where she met new people and enjoyed the plentiful fresh fish. After receiving her certification, Henriette returned to Amman and taught English and Social Studies to middle and high school students at a Catholic School. She was proud to be a teacher, often reminding her grandchildren of this later in life as she corrected their spelling homework.

In 1958, Henriette married Jamil Karadsheh and briefly moved to Detroit, Michigan. They had three children: Deena, Adli, and Emad, who they raised in Amman, Jordan. This period was filled with trips to the Dead Sea, summers in Aqaba, and a full social calendar with family and friends.

Later in life, Henriette moved back to the U.S. to be close to her children and grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Upon her arrival, she worked as a hostess at the Karadsheh family Big Boy in Grand Rapids, Michigan, while learning how to drive and building a community of friends.

She spent the latter part of her life in Michigan and Florida, caring for and supporting her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling to the beach with family and attending her grandchildren’s activities, such as soccer, robotics, and Boy Scouts. She cherished time with friends and family, always making sure everyone was well fed.

Henriette was strong-hearted, quick to share a laugh, and full of joy. She enjoyed drinking her coffee with a view of the trees and birds, traveling to new places, sneaking treats to the family dogs (including Jessie, Easy, and Lulu), and showing her love through delicious homemade meals. But above all else, she loved spending quality time with her family and friends. She was an inspiration to many and a great motivator, empowering many to pursue advanced education.

She was generous with her love, time, and energy, and her faith in God always showed in her words, attitude, and actions.

Henriette is survived by her children, Deena Whitbeck, Adli, and Emad Karadsheh; her grandchildren, Alexander, Lydia, Amelia, and Michelle; her sister, Liala Odette Banna; and many nieces and nephews.

Henriette is preceded in death by her husband, Jamil Karadsheh; her parents, Alexander and Salma Banna; her brother, Munir Banna; and her sisters, Mary, Hilda, Georgette, and Pauline.

Visitation will be on Friday, Jan. 30, 5:00-7:00 pm at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Kentwood.

The funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2250 E Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Please share messages, memories, and photos at www.ofieldfuneralhome.com