Lenore Ann Kalif Weber passed away in the early hours of February 20, 2022, in Traverse City, Michigan. Lenore was born December 11, 1936, in Detroit. She was raised in a multigenerational and food-centric Lebanese household. Her first language was Arabic; she was also adept with French and Latin. Though the nuns at Sacred Heart couldn't cure her of smoking in the bathroom at her too-young age, they did admonish the use of Arabic and Lenore switched to English-only. Post-graduation, while training as a disc jockey and also considering to join the convent, Lenore earned her Masters of Social Work at the University of Detroit. Soon after she met the love of her life, John Weber, over drinks and dancing at The Little Brown Jug in Commerce Township, Michigan. They bonded over a love of food, music, dancing, banter, and public displays of affection. A home was established in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and four children followed (Katherine, John, Ann, and Michael…and subsequently thirteen grandchildren).

In 1975 Lenore and John fulfilled their culinary dream. John left his corporate job and they moved north to their Elk Rapids cottage. After touring/sampling a number of establishments for sale throughout Northern Michigan, they purchased and remodeled an abandoned post office in Acme and The Olive Barrel…an avant-garde Middle Eastern deli and caterer…was born. If you ever partook of the tabouleh, you might be interested to know Lenore picked each parsley leaf by hand. Scissors were not allowed…a tradition the family continues today! In addition to food, Lenore loved to satisfy all of her senses with reading, art, music, philosophy, religion, spirited debate, and anything remotely resembling gambling. Lenore was a perpetual at-home Jeopardy champion, and her love of trivia was contagious to the family.

Lenore expressed her omnipresent affection via food. She fed friends, family, and strangers early and often, regardless of appetites. With her vast knowledge, generosity with the underprivileged, quick wit, and kind manner, Lenore leaves the world and its inhabitants better than she found them. Her family is grateful to the amazing staffs of Cherry Suite, NB Palliative, Munson ER, Munson Inpatient, and Munson Hospice House. The comfort their collective compassion and respect provided to Lenore and her family cannot be overstated.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Elk Rapids.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com