In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity fund established in Elia’s honor and will be used to support community causes close to Elia's heart.

Elia Maroun Chahla, 85, passed away peacefully in Maplewood, Minnesota, on January 15, 2026. Born in Toula, Lebanon, Elia lived a life defined by a commitment to family, faith, craftsmanship, and his homeland. Elia was husband to Rita George Abou Hanna, and a devoted father to his four children, Elise Furlan (m. Timothy Furlan), Saydi Chahla (m. Nicholas Haupt), Rose Chahla (m. Daniel Dolan), and Daniel Chahla. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Collette, Lena, Mariam, Patrick, Sonia, Timothy, Zeyna.

One of eight children, born to Maroun Chahla and Sadie Habib Zadeh, Elia grew up in Toula, Lebanon, where his early years were shaped by strong family bonds, faith, and a deep appreciation for hard work. Trained in construction, he later built a nationally sought-after furniture business, earning recognition as a master craftsman and businessman. His work reflected the rich traditions of Lebanese and Levantine craftsmanship, featuring native woods such as cedar and walnut, with intricate carving and inlaid details. His furniture was not only functional and beautiful, but a reflection of Elia’s deep pride in his heritage, his dedication to quality, and the integrity with which he worked.

A devout Maronite Catholic, Elia’s faith guided every aspect of his life. He cherished simple pleasures - going on walks, enjoying long meals with his family, singing Aramaic hymns before bed, and spending quality time with those he loved. Though he spent much of his later life in the Twin Cities, he remained a passionate countryman who loved Lebanon fiercely and spoke often of its beauty and uniqueness. While his heart was often heavy knowing his homeland was repeatedly caught in regional and international conflict, his belief that Lebanon was the most beautiful place on earth never faded. It remained one of the great loves of his life.

Elia was especially known for his unwavering belief in education and perseverance. Despite significant medical hardship after immigrating to the United States, he held his four children to high standards and encouraged them to aim boldly for their futures. He led not through excuses, but through example. In his late forties, Elia lost his eyesight, bringing his ability to continue his business to an end. Even then, his resilience never wavered. He found new ways to support and encourage his children, and his love of design endured - continuing to be passionate about carpentry despite his impaired vision.

Following complications from open heart surgery in 2018, Elia spent the last eight years of his life at Harmony Gardens Senior Living. A tenacious and active man who never liked to sit still, the transition was initially difficult. In time, Elia found peace in the small, everyday moments - deepening bonds with his longtime caregivers, extending boundless love to his family, and holding gratitude for each new day. Caregivers often shared that just the mention of his children and grandchildren would light up his face. Above all else, and until the very end, Elia carried an unwavering love for his children. Though shaped by a life of hardship and responsibility, his later years revealed a deep gentleness - marked by tenderness, patience, and a love that softened everyone around him.

Elia will be deeply missed and forever carried in the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Family Maronite Catholic Church, located at 1960 Lexington Ave S, Mendota Heights, MN. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., with the service to follow at 11:00 a.m.

“The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.”

- Sand and Foam, Khalil Gibran