Jameela Maloof Gardos

Jameela Maloof Gardos passed away on September 9, 2026 at the age of 75.

Jameela was born February 28, 1951 to James and Rose (Kardoose) Maloof, and grew up in Boston’s South End. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, and worked in retail in the Boston area for several years, until her natural talents as a designer brought her to Manhattan, New York where she eventually worked her way to becoming the top advertising producer at Metropolitan Home and Architectural Digest magazines. Her work led her to many lifelong friendships, and some of the most talented and influential designers in the world. Most importantly, it led her to the love of her life, David Gardos. They were married on September 25, 1992.

Jameela and David shared many years of happy marriage, and welcomed their children Sophia and Nicolas, along with Lorenzo Gardos Bouchard.

Jameela was a woman of tremendous warmth, generosity, and spirit. She had an extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome, cared for, and at home. She loved deeply and gave generously, often putting the people she loved before herself. Her family was the center of her world, and she was fiercely devoted to her children, family, and friends. She cherished the bonds she shared with her sister, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and the many people she considered family. To Jameela, family was never limited by distance or by name—it was something she nurtured, celebrated, and held close throughout her life.

She carried with her a deep appreciation for beauty, creativity, culture, and the Syrian and Lebanese traditions she inherited from her family. She loved entertaining, cooking, decorating, music, and the arts, and had an unmistakable eye for beauty in all its forms. Her home was a reflection of her—warm, beautiful, welcoming, and always filled with food, conversation, and love.

Jameela leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through her children, her family, and the many lives she touched throughout her life. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, who will carry her memory, her traditions, and her love with them always.

Jameela was the dear sister of Manera Smith, who pre-deceased her only 7 weeks ago.  In addition to her children, she is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to Jameela's Funeral Service at the Kfoury Keefe Funeral Home Saturday September 19, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.  Visiting hour Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  At the request of Jameela's family, in lieu of flowers please make contributions in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105 stjude.org