THREE BALLS CHRONICLE
VOLUME 8 / ISSUE 2
FEBRUARY 2025 – Special Edition… “Remembering Najah A. Islam”
In Loving Memory
Beloved mom, daughter, sister, friend.
Najah A. Islam
All forms of loss must be heartbreaking but letting go is a meaning of loss itself. Peace will come from the memories of her love and affection that comfort you today and tomorrow.
Loyalty Pawn remembers our colleague and friend “Lola”
IN THIS ISSUE
Loyalty Pawn Remembers . . .
This issue is 100% dedicated to the sweet memory of “Lola”
Letters, photos, and memories are shared by employees who grieve alongside her family.
Najah A. Islam. We Miss You!
Team Loyalty has requested this edition of its monthly newsletter Three Balls Chronicle be solely dedicated to memory of our dearest colleague and friend, as we knew her, Lola.
A thoughtful and touching tribute to someone who touched our lives with love, comradery, and laughter. She was a force to be reckoned with.
Lola lived a vibrant life filled with kindness, humor, love, and joy. She touched many of our hearts and will be deeply, deeply missed.
Her spirit will forever inspire us. May she rest in peace. December 30, 1994 – January 31, 2025
Loyalty Pawn Remembers…
In Memory of Najah Islam
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Najah Islam, a beloved member of our team and a radiant soul whose presence lit up any room she entered. Najah was a rare kind of extravert- someone whose energy, warmth, and laughter could change the atmosphere around her in an instant. She was short in stature, but her impact was immeasurable. The sound of her contagious laugh was something we could always count on to lift our spirits, no matter how tough the day seemed.
Najah’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life was nothing short of remarkable. She had a gift- a heart that was always open, always ready to serve, and always willing to help. Her kindness knows no bounds, and she treated everyone she met with an infectious warmth that made them feel seen and valued.
I will never forget a moment that so perfectly encapsulates who Najah was. On Tuesday, January 28 th, an older lady who was walking her dog across the street from Broadway had tripped and fallen. Her dog had run away while she struggled to get to her feet. Without a second thought, Najah and Dominic rushed across the street to help. They didn’t hesitate, didn’t question if it was their place- they just acted, instinctively, to lend a hand and make sure this kind woman was safe. This moment was a small but powerful reflection of Najah’s heart: she was always thinking for others, always ready to show kindness in action.
How much better would our world be if we all embraced Najah’s example of selfless giving? It takes only one person to make a difference, to lead by example, and to offer grace when it’s most needed. Najah showed us that we are all capable of more compassion, more kindness, and more love for those around us. Her actions, big and small, have left an indelible mark on all of us who had the privilege of knowing her.
I will always remember Najah for the incredible person she was. Her spirit, her laughter, and her constant generosity will live on in all of us. May we carry forward her legacy of kindness and service, and in doing so, make our communities stronger, just as she did.
Goodbye, Najah. You will be deeply missed.
With Sincere Condolences, Wayne Silliman
If you didn't get a chance to work or hang out with Lola you truly missed out. She was one of the most chaotic, compassionate, loud but quiet, amazing, hilarious ,authentic wholesome individuals you could ever have met. She could scream about a tiny chubby little frog she wanted to buy as a pet for her daughter Safia. Then in her next breath tell you about some exotic flavor Kit Kats she got from her brother who got them on his trip to Japan for you to try. Random I know. I am blessed to have ever have met such a real and authentic person. Lola was currently the only woman here at Broadway and all the guys here could tell you that Lola was and will always be the toughest of us all.
So from Hoshira, Johnenoners, the fabulous Kyoya, Adams, Doms and Jason ."We ain't even gonna lie to you love we miss you !" Love Joshua R Bonton
When Lola started working with us, she was shy and seemed unsure of herself with her new surroundings. It did not take to long for her to warm up to everyone around her and come out of her shell. Being loquacious and always willing to offer some support or help to the down and out clients coming through the doors. Be it a word of advice from her own experiences or helping them find some kind of support outside of the walls of where she works. A heart that truly grew in size as she grew as a person over the last few years of knowing her. We had a many of open conversations about everything from life to belief systems with an open mind and good will towards one another. We will all miss her laughs that could be heard throughout the whole building, and we all mourn this loss.
I can't imagine what the family is going through, Najah's family and her loved one's will be in my thoughts and prayers.
P.S. A few of her drawings that we have here at work are attached. ~ In Memory, Jason Wagner
In Loving Memory of Najah Islam
It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we bid farewell to our beloved friend and co-worker, Najah Islam. Najah was more than just a colleague; she was a light in the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her presence brought a warmth and joy that brightened even the most challenging days, and her infectious laughter had a way of lifting spirits and creating a sense of togetherness among us all.
Najah’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering positivity were felt by everyone she encountered. She had a unique ability to make others feel valued, heard, and supported. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply sharing a smile, she made all of us feel like part of a close-knit family. Her compassion was boundless, and her friendship was a true gift to all.
At work, Najah was a source of inspiration and motivation. Her dedication and hard work set an example for all of us. She approached every task with a sense of enthusiasm and care, and her creativity and problem-solving skills were second to none. But it wasn’t just her professional abilities that left a lasting impact it was the way she made everyone around her feel. She was always ready to listen, offer encouragement, and celebrate the successes of others as though they were her own.
Outside of work, Najah’s vibrant spirit touched countless lives. Her love for life, her curiosity, and her genuine interest in the well-being of others left a lasting impression. She had an uncanny ability to make people feel
important, seen, and understood. Her friendship was one of a kind, and she will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to call her a friend.
Although Najah is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and her daughter Sophia. We will remember her laughter, her kindness, and the joy she brought into our world. While we grieve her loss, we also celebrate the wonderful person she was the one who made work feel like a family, who spread light in every room she entered, and who made every day a little brighter simply by being herself.
Najah, you will be deeply missed. We are grateful for the time we had with you, and your memory will continue to inspire us every day. May you rest in peace, knowing that you made an indelible mark on our hearts.
With love and remembrance, John Mark
In Memory of Lola. By Mark Xiong
In loving memory of Najah Islam, known to all as Lola, we honor a remarkable spirit who truly lit up our lives. Her presence was one-of-a-kind, radiating warmth and joy that could brighten even the darkest days. Lola's laughter was infectious, a beautiful sound that brought comfort and cheer to everyone around her.
She had a unique gift for making people feel valued and cherished, drawing us closer with her kindness and compassion. The moments shared with her were filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories that we will hold dear forever.
While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the incredible person she was and the lasting impact she made on our hearts. Heaven has gained an extraordinary soul, and though she may no longer be with us, her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Najah, you will be greatly missed, but your light will never fade from our lives.
In memory’s embrace, a great soul shines, With kindness and laughter, a legacy entwines. Though time may pass and seasons may change, The love they gave us will never grow strange.
In every heart they touched, their spirit remains, A gentle reminder throu gh joy and through pains. So here’s to the great one, forever in light, Their warmth in our memories, a guiding delight.
Memory of Lola
Lola was a strong, powerful female force. She was fierce in her fight to survive the streets, she once said to me and I adored her fighting spirit!. She had natural charisma paired with a wicked sense of humor. I remember the first time I met her with her opera-pink hair piled on top of her head and a smile that was infectious that at times, I almost forgot, from an HR perspective, what I was originally intending to talk to her about.
When she found out she was pregnant, she called me to talk about maternity leave and it quickly turned into a conversation about being a mom and I recall telling her that she was about to embark on the wildest parental roller coaster ride of her life. She laughed and said she “couldn’t wait!” She shared with me that she wanted things different for her unborn infant and expressed re-engaging with her Muslim faith and practice. I shared in her joy when her daughter, Safia Ja’liya Ifraj Islam was born on Aug 15th 2023.
I grieve for her family and especially Safia, who will only be able to share in memories others will tell her about her amazing mother as she grows up.
I am reminded of how precious and short life can be especially when something so tragic and senseless as a vehicle accident that took Lola’s life. Lola a toast to you my sweet and fiery friend I was honored to support you! ~Darlamae Shannon (HR Business Parter to Loyalty Pawn)
A reminder to all to pause and remember that life is not measured in the number of breaths we take…but in the moments that take our breath away. In this we, at Loyalty Pawn, remember Najah “Lola” Islam.
