Bethann "Beth" Aouad

Bethann "Beth" Kohn Aouad, the embodiment of strength and grace through adversity, passed into the hands of our Lord on November 22, 2023 after a long and brave battle.

Bethann was born on June 29, 1966 and raised in Elmore, Ohio by her mother Sylvia. She was a graduate of Woodmore High School, and soon after met the love of her life George Aouad, to whom she was married for 37 years.

Beth’s calling in life was motherhood, and she tirelessly devoted herself to her sons Adeeb and Andre. From soccer, family gatherings, entertaining friends, and everything in between, Beth centered family in all she did.

In 2001, Beth faced a medical crisis and was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (a disease that causes scarring of the lungs, with no known cause), and was gifted a second chance at life through a miracle in the form of a lung transplant. From that moment on she faced each day with a grateful heart, strength in family and faith, and never complained about the hand she was dealt. She was a walking medical marvel and became the longest living lung transplant recipient of the Cleveland Clinic. For nearly 22 years Beth lived with numerous health challenges, but never wavered in her positive outlook to live each day to the fullest and cherish her family.

Beth also lived in gratitude to Amy Whitehead, her organ donor, and Amy’s family who made the ultimate and most unselfish sacrifice when they were faced with personal tragedy. Beth became a fierce advocate for organ donation through sharing her story with the public.

With each passing life milestone, Beth was the symbol of strength to all who were blessed to know her. Beth was overjoyed to welcome her first grandchild, Aiden, into the world in 2022. Her family will continue to live through her knowing she is looking down from heaven, encouraging them to be strong and enjoy life.

Beth is survived by her husband George; sons, Adeeb (Kira) and Andre; grandson, Aiden; siblings, Sylvia Burke, Karen Kohn, Jammie Babuich and Billy Melcher; and many loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews. She will also be lovingly remembered by her best friend, Rhonda Irving. Beth is preceded in death by her parents, Richard Kohn and Sylvia Scott; and brother Rick Kohn.

Beth’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the team at Cleveland Clinic for their years of devotion to her health, and for gifting her more years to spend with her loved ones. Special thanks to Dr. Mehta, Dr. Elkhatib, Dr. Nahhas, and the entire Cleveland Clinic transplant team.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, 3754 Woodley Rd., Toledo, concluded with Trisagion Prayers at 7:00 p.m. Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 30, 2023 at St. George with additional visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Beth will be laid to rest at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions in Beth’s name are suggested to St. George Cathedral.

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