Nelly Khandji, who spent more than 40 years teaching at Osborn School in Rye, has died at 95.
Khandji retired from the elementary school in 2024 after a career that touched thousands of students, according to an obituary published Oct. 23 by MyRye.com. Her family described her as a woman who devoted her life to education and to the people around her.
She immigrated to the United States at a young age and began teaching within days, starting at PS 107 in Brooklyn. She moved to Rye with her family in 1982 and joined the staff at Osborn School, where she would remain for the rest of her career. The obituary said she inspired students through her patience, compassion and love of education.
She taught for four decades. Then she kept going.
Khandji finally retired in 2024, having worked at Osborn for more than 42 years. She was the wife of the late George A. Khandji, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage. She was a mother of three, grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of six. The youngest of five siblings, she outlived all of them.
Outside the classroom, Khandji was known for cooking elaborate Mediterranean and Aleppian dishes for family and guests. Her family said she had a lifelong curiosity about geography, history and cultures. Hospitality and bringing people together were central to who she was, according to the obituary.
She is survived by her three children, Alexander, Huda and Majed, and their families.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Khandji's memory to Jusoor, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Syrian youth through education. The organization runs programs including scholarships, refugee education, career development and entrepreneurship support. Donations can be dedicated in Khandji's name on the Jusoor website.
