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Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th

Lawrence, Kansas

Feryal Paden Obituary

Feryal "Fifi" Paden

Feryal "Fifi" Paden passed peacefully at her home on December 20th, 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 Mortuary.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Dec. 25, 2014.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Feryal Paden

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We will all miss our wonderful PEO sister FiFi.
Our prayers go out to all FiFi's family.
Love, PEO Chapter JU.

Jan Fox

January 6, 2015

"FIFI'S's" restaurant and the lovely lady it was named after have left an ongoing legacy for Lawrence. Many "wannabe" establishments have tried to fill the void since it was closed. Not one has ever been as classy, had such carefully prepared food, nor offered such warm greetings inside. Lawrence has missed them both for many years, but will never forget!
My sincere condolences to the Paden family ...

Jeanne Ellermeier (and many friends)

January 2, 2015

With deepest sympathy for your family and friends. We will always treasure the great time we ejoyed with Pam and her parents. Prayers and Peace Chris & Cheri

Cheri Klindt

December 29, 2014

Such a lovely lady.

Colleen Zimmerman

December 28, 2014

As a former patron of Fifi's, I am saddened by her death. Her genuine caring and generosity will never be matched. We've lost an original.

Jack Ozegovic

December 27, 2014

It was a true pleasure getting to know FiFi through Bunco. She was such a sweet lady and always had a smile on her face. Everyone looked forward to FiFi being the hostess as we got to have some wonderful food! My condolences to the Paden family.

Shari Koehler

December 26, 2014

Fifi was such a sweet lady. We always enjoyed dining at the restaurant & seeing her. Thinking of your families at this time. Blessings to you all.
Rita Burke

December 26, 2014

We always enjoyed a trip to "Fifi's." She greeted us like old friends and made us feel like special guests. The food was good, too! We miss her.


Paul & Carol Enos

Paul Enos

December 26, 2014

FiFi's Family,
Miss her, and her restaurant for many years!! Blessings to the family at your loss. Sincerely,
A former patron,
Rita Lindsey

December 26, 2014

She was full of love and light. My thoughts are with you Brian, Keith, Christy, Mary, and Pam.

December 25, 2014

Fifi was a great lady, and since we lived so close to the restaurant, our kids grew up there. She, and all the family, were always so charming and welcoming. She set a high standard for hospitality. We send our best wishes to the family and know Fifi will not be forgotten.

Susan Elkins

December 25, 2014

Thank you Fifi for all your advice to me about the restaurant business and the important things in life. You made everyone that walked through your door feel like family.

brad ziegler

December 25, 2014

God Bless

December 25, 2014

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Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044

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