Slain Mom, Daughters Remembered For Strong Bond, 'Gentle' Natures

TINLEY PARK, IL — A slain mother of six and her three daughters are being remembered in a fundraiser for their giving natures, kind hearts and passion for life.

Majeda Kassem, 53, and daughters Halema Kassem, 25, Hanan Kassem, 24, and Zahia Kassem, 25, were found fatally shot inside their Tinley Park home Sunday morning. A man, reportedly Majeda's husband, is currently in police custody in relation to the shooting, but as of Monday morning had not yet been charged.

In an online fundraiser aiming to build a mosque in Africa in their honor, the Kassem women are being memorialized for their family devotion, devout natures and professional pursuits.

Majeda Kassem, a mother of six, "devoted her life to her religion and family," the fundraiser shared, and was known for her love of cooking. She "never failed to make the most outstanding dishes," friends wrote, and "was a great mother and role model to her kids that would positively influence her children to devote their lives to Islam."

Twin sisters Halema and Zahia Kassem both were nearing big steps in their professional careers, the fundraiser states, with Halema soon to become a pharmacy graduate with intention to become a clinical pharmacist. She was also a talented and passionate henna artist.

"Halema let out her creativity through henna art," the fundraiser reads. "Her smile lit the room, and her hand carried the excitement to express her creativity through henna. She always put in extra effort to satisfy her family and friends."

Halema, who the fundraiser wrote was a victim of domestic violence, was an advocate for others who had experienced it.

"Anyone that interacted with Halema knew how gentle and soft her heart was," the fundraiser wrote.

Her twin, Zahia, had recently graduated as a radiology technician, and was to take her exam in less than a week.

"She was an outspoken, lighthearted soul that would win anyone's heart with her charismatic personality," the fundraiser wrote. "Zahia made it a goal for both herself and others to look and feel good about themselves."

Hanan Kassem was completing an education in speech pathology.

"She was always a helping hand and had her special way of making people feel like they belong," according to the fundraiser. "She was always so thoughtful and considerate with her supportive words. Her heart held a special place for her family."

The fundraiser has a goal of $60,000, with nearly $25,000 raised by Monday morning.

"Their souls collectively departing from this dunya displays how strong their bond was, and how they were readily available for each other through life and death," the organizers wrote. "Rather than grieving, it is our responsibility to fulfill their dream of building a mosque in their honor."