Samia Botros Abdelmalek
August 12, 1932 ~ October 6, 2021
Dr. Samia Botros Abdelmalek, 89, of McLean, VA, peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones, at her home, on October 6th, as a result of degenerative valvular heart disease.
Samia Botros Abdelmalek, née Salama, was born on August 12th, 1932 to Amalia Gawargios Hanna and Botros Salama Abdel-Messeh in Minya, Egypt. After earning high honors in high school, Samia entered Cairo University Faculty of Medicine (Al Kasr Al-Aini campus) in 1952 and graduated with an MB Bch (Bachelor of Medicine) in 1958.
After graduation, she worked as an OB/GYN physician for over a decade, first for the Ministry of Public Health in Cairo, Egypt helping underserved rural communities, and later opening two private practice clinics for the underserved communities within the city.
While in medical school, she met the love of her life, Dr. Abdou Tewfik Abdelmalek, to whom she was married in September of 1959. They went on to have three children, Shahira, Hanan and Victor.
Samia and Abdou immigrated to the United States in January 1970 in search of a better life for their children. Both devout Coptic Christians, they dedicated themselves to furthering the faith. Together with a small assembly of similarly minded friends, they would go on to establish the first Coptic church in the Northern Virginia area, St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church.
Samia retired in 1998 after 40 years in the medical field and after spending the last 23 of those years seeing to the medical needs of our armed forces and their families at DeWitt Army Hospital. While retired, Samia enjoyed her grandchildren, spending time with friends, and perfecting her cooking and baking skills. She was well known for her exceptional traditional Egyptian cookies and pastries.
Samia was predeceased by her parents, Amalia & Botros, her husband Abdou, and her siblings Fayek, Lilly, Laurance and Yvonne. She is survived by her brother Reda; her three children, Shahira, Hanan and Victor; and grandchildren Grant, Reid and Jackson.
Services will be held at St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church on October 15th at 12 Noon; burial to follow at Mount Comfort Cemetery of Alexandria at 2 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to any of the following:
Faith-based organizations: STSA Coptic Orthodox Church, St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, or Coptic Orphans.
Alternatively, the American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association, or any of the hospice organizations serving Northern Virginia.
Samia Botros Abdelmalek, née Salama, was born on August 12th, 1932 to Amalia Gawargios Hanna and Botros Salama Abdel-Messeh in Minya, Egypt. After earning high honors in high school, Samia entered Cairo University Faculty of Medicine (Al Kasr Al-Aini campus) in 1952 and graduated with an MB Bch (Bachelor of Medicine) in 1958.
After graduation, she worked as an OB/GYN physician for over a decade, first for the Ministry of Public Health in Cairo, Egypt helping underserved rural communities, and later opening two private practice clinics for the underserved communities within the city.
While in medical school, she met the love of her life, Dr. Abdou Tewfik Abdelmalek, to whom she was married in September of 1959. They went on to have three children, Shahira, Hanan and Victor.
Samia and Abdou immigrated to the United States in January 1970 in search of a better life for their children. Both devout Coptic Christians, they dedicated themselves to furthering the faith. Together with a small assembly of similarly minded friends, they would go on to establish the first Coptic church in the Northern Virginia area, St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church.
Samia retired in 1998 after 40 years in the medical field and after spending the last 23 of those years seeing to the medical needs of our armed forces and their families at DeWitt Army Hospital. While retired, Samia enjoyed her grandchildren, spending time with friends, and perfecting her cooking and baking skills. She was well known for her exceptional traditional Egyptian cookies and pastries.
Samia was predeceased by her parents, Amalia & Botros, her husband Abdou, and her siblings Fayek, Lilly, Laurance and Yvonne. She is survived by her brother Reda; her three children, Shahira, Hanan and Victor; and grandchildren Grant, Reid and Jackson.
Services will be held at St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church on October 15th at 12 Noon; burial to follow at Mount Comfort Cemetery of Alexandria at 2 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to any of the following:
Faith-based organizations: STSA Coptic Orthodox Church, St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, or Coptic Orphans.
Alternatively, the American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association, or any of the hospice organizations serving Northern Virginia.
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I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She sounds like an amazingly strong and accomplished woman. Sending thoughts of strength, courage and sympathy to each of you. Sophie Prasada-Rao
My prayers and condolences go out to the family of Samia Botros Abdelmalek. I am very sorry for your loss. May Christ take charge over you and strengthen you….. Bill Hipol.