Gracella Yousef Handal was born in Jerusalem on March 10, 1945. Gracella was the third of four children born to Yousef and Karimah Siniora.

In 1968, she married the love of her life, Elias Handal. They moved to Kuwait and soon gave birth to their first daughter, Angela. The following year, the small family moved to Dubai. In Dubai, Gracella was blessed with two more daughters, Marlin and Mona. In 1975, the family moved to Texas. Soon after arriving in Texas, Gracella welcomed her fourth child, Jody. After briefly relocating to Dubai, the family returned to Texas in the early 1980s. With her family complete, Gracella epitomized motherhood; she regularly sacrificed her own needs for those of her children. She was an early riser and was usually the last to bed. For Gracella, her family was her whole world.

In the early 1990s, the family moved to Bakersfield, California, and then relocated one last time. This last move would be to San Diego. San Diego offered proximity to extended family and to the beautiful Southern California beaches. Gracella's favorite spot in the region was Coronado Island; she loved taking in the scenery while quietly enjoying a nice cup of coffee. She loved spending time with family and friends and, of course, making occasional visits to the local casinos. Gracella was blessed with six grandchildren who were the joy of her life. She always placed those around her upon a pedestal, taking great interest in the plights and achievements of her family and friends. She was truly a selfless human being.

Gracella loved to cook and prepare lavish meals, with Middle Eastern cuisine as her specialty. Deeply committed to her cultural heritage, she routinely spent countless hours ensuring each meal was made with love, was perfect and plentiful, infusing her meals with the flavors and traditions of her homeland. Rarely would anyone who dined in her home leave hungry or empty handed. Holidays were especially meaningful to her, as they provided the opportunity to share her treasured culinary traditions. She passed down these cherished recipes to her children, who will carry forward her legacy in every family gathering and holiday feast.

Gracella's belief in God was second to none. Gracella and Elias cherished their faith and their roots in the Holy Land. She impressed the importance of faith upon her children and friends and was a regular at her local Parish. She always gave, asking for nothing in return, and was the essence of discipleship.  She had an ability to be strong through adversity, and she was the backbone and strength of her family. She kept everyone close and was always there when her family needed her. Even after establishing their own lives, Gracella kept her children closely connected to one another and to her with persistence, love and regular reinforcement of the importance of family.

Gracella passed away on October 13, 2024. Gracella is peacefully at the side of her husband Elias Handal, son Jody Handal, sister Amira Shahin, and brother Johnny Siniora.

Gracella is survived by her sister Antoinette Folkard, daughters Angela Murray, Marlin Hamilton, and Mona Hiden and their spouses; grandchildren Dawson, Hannah, Nicholas, Jacob, David and Alena; extended family members around the world; and many friends.