Mahmoud A. Shaalan

A memorial service will be held March 22, 2019, for Dr. Mahmoud "Mo" Shaalan, M.D., Ph.D., age 84, of Corinth at St. James Catholic Church at 2:00 P.M. Visitation will be Thursday, March 21, 2019, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at St. James Catholic Church, 3189 Harper Road, Corinth, MS. Dr. Shaalan passed away peacefully on March 18, 2019 in Corinth, MS. Dr. Shaalan was born on September 2, 1934 in Cairo, Egypt. Raised in a large family with very little money, he chose at an early age to focus on his education and make a better life for himself. He pursued a medical career and attended College at Cairo University of Medicine, receiving a Medical Degree in Pathology and a Ph.D. After practicing for several years in Cairo, he made the life-changing decision to leave Egypt and come to the United Stated of America. His journey first took him to France, and then England, before making his way to Pittsburgh, PA. After working in Pittsburgh for several years, he wound up in Jackson, MS at The University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he spent several years working as a doctor while also becoming familiar with his new Southern Culture. Fate soon brought him to Corinth, MS where he met his future wife, Faye, at a pool party. He described it as love at first sight. They were soon married and remained married up until his death. He and his wife went on to raise four children together while he continued to practice at Magnolia Regional Health Center as a Pathologist and later at Iuka Hospital. His first retirement came at age 59. It didn't take long for him (and his wife) to realize that he wasn't ready to take up golf and sit at home every day. He began working for the MS State Department of Health as the Family Planning Physician and covered five counties in the North MS area for 17 years. His second retirement was much deserved, and came at age 76. Dr. Shaalan is preceded in death by his son, Sherief Shaalan, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abd-El Sadek Shaalan, his mother and father-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Mincy, and ten brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Faye Mincy Shaalan, their three children Pam Para Colley (Keith) of Cornith, MS; Mindi Shaalan Kern (Joey) of Madison, MS; and Sean Shaalan (Cassie) of Corinth, MS; six grandchildren: Nic, Brittany and Madison Colley, and Michael Lee, Everett and Mirren Kern. He also leaves behind several sisters and brothers-in-law in the Mincy Family, one sister and several nephews and nieces in Egypt, and a host of special friends in the Rafidi Family, who were his extended family in Corinth for over 45 years. Dr. Shaalan had recently rediscovered his Christian Faith, and after attending Religious Education classes at St. James Catholic Church, was confirmed as a Christian Catholic in March of 2018. He found peace and solace in his last year at the church and in his own spiritual journey. The family wishes to thank Dr. Al Flannery and Staff, Dr. David Chase and staff, and the staff of Magnolia Regional Health Center for their excellent care in the final days of his life. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in his honor to St. James Catholic Church.