Ruth Friedenberg Maassarani

Ruth Friedenberg Maassarani is a name you don't easily forget. Born on June 3, 1926 in Cologne Germany, as daughter to Karl and Lotti Friedenberg, and older sister to her late brothers Leo and Herbert Frey. Ruth, and her family fled Nazi Germany in 1934, and made their way to Mandate Palestine. At 18, she fell in love with a lawyer in neighboring Lebanon where she raised a family of four: a son and three daughters; Omar, Chadia, Ghanima and Mona. She left an indelible mark in our hometown of Tripoli. Her legacy is still alive today, she is remembered as the elegant dynamic woman who cared deeply and did a lot of good.

In 1977, civil war broke out in Lebanon, and Ruth moved to Las Vegas. She quickly turned into quite a businesswoman, running two successful shops at the Flamingo hotel. Ruth was not only the matriarch of the family, but she was also the glue who kept the integrity of the clan. She was eventually joined by her children who established their own lives and expanded their families. In the last chapter of her life, Ruth settled into the role of Taita (Grandma). With her vast life experience, unshakable common sense, her practicality, her integrity, her charm, and her love for travel, she managed to bond with everyone, and left a profound impression on the many lives she touched. She always made you feel special around her.
She lived a full life and was ready to skip the inconveniences of old age and join her beloved brothers.