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Marie Catrib, the affable East Hills restaurateur, died Wednesday, June 5. She was 65.

(MLive File Photo)

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Marie Catrib, the affable restaurateur whose popular eatery is a Grand Rapids mainstay, passed away Wednesday, a person close to the business confirmed. She was 65.

Known for her warm, inviting demeanor, Catrib had been battling cancer since being initially diagnosed in 2008. She had surgery and chemotherapy, but the cancer recurred.

Catrib, a native of Lebanon, owned and operated her eponymous restaurant in the city's East Hills neighborhood with her two sons, Fouad and Moussa.

She often could be seen milling around the crowded restaurant with a tray of baked good samples, chatting with customers and hugging friends.

Related: Profile: the life and times of Marie Catrib

Today, customers and friends were posting condolences and memories of Marie on the restaurant's Facebook page.

Catrib opened her first Marie's Deli in Houghton in 1985. After that, she opened another restaurant in Marquette.

She moved to Grand Rapids at son Fouad's urging that she open a restaurant in the city. It opened around Thanksgiving in 2004 at 1001 Lake Drive SE, where it has remained.

Catrib put a premium on local ingredients, and the restaurant is known for offering an array of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The restaurant recently was remodeled, its deli expanded and a cheese counter added to its many offerings.

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