Elma Saloum

1925 - 2021

Elma Saloum, of Ford City, passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at her residence.

Elma Saloum was born to Sophia (Farah) and Saffae Saloum on May 24, 1925.

Elma was preceded in death by siblings and their spouses: Samuel Saloum, Sr. (Harriet), Alfred Saloum (Myrtle Patricia), Eleanor Deep (Mooney), George Saloum, and David Saloum; niece and nephews: David Saloum, Sophia Saloum, and William Cousins.

Elma is survived by sister, Eva Saloum; and sister-inlaw, Judith Saloum; nieces and nephews: Samuel (Millie) Saloum, Jr., Sandra (George) Andra, Albert Deep, Allen Deep, Debra Cousins, Denise (David) Boarts, MaryBeth Saloum, Anthony (Lisa) Saloum and Jennifer (David) Hrabovsky; great-nephews and nieces: Samantha (Kevin) McSherry, George (Jennifer) Andra II, Samuel (Jennifer) Andra,

Nicole (B. Micah Hanson) Saloum, Danielle (Garth) Cole, Allen (Kate) Deep, Jr., Joseph (Lexi Schumacher) Deep and Alexandria Deep; great-great-nieces and nephews: Samuel Tyler Andra, Payton Andra, MacKenzie Andra, Mia Hanson, Sadie Andra, Lindsey Andra, Blake McSherry, Emma McSherry, Samuel Cole, Grace Cole, Addison Andra and Emilia Deep; and numerous cousins and Godchildren.

Elma has always lived at 1030 Fifth Avenue, Ford City, Pa.

When Elma graduated from Ford City High School in 1944 she began working at McQuire's Drug Store. Then Elma began work at The Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company Works 6. She eventually became secretary of the Glassworkers Union Local No. 14. For 14 of those years, she held the position of financial secretary. Part of her responsibilities was to help active and retired members with pension, insurance, and Social Security problems. Even in her early 90's, she still responded to questions from union members or their relatives about such matters.

Elma has been a member of many community oriented groups in Ford City. She was a charter member on the Board of Directors of the Armstrong Associates Federal Credit Union and retired from the Board in November 2018. She has served on the Ford City Community Picnic Committee, the Ford City Activities Committee and the Zoning Variance Committee. She was a charter member of the Ford City Area Heritage Hall of Fame Board of Governors, a member of the Ford City Heritage Day's Committee as well as assistant treasurer, and a life member of the Ford City Women's Bowling Association. Elma was inducted into the Ford City Area Hall of Fame in 2007. She was a member of the Pa. State Junior Bowling Association. She served as Vice President for 6 years. Elma worked with youth bowlers in the area helping junior bowlers organize their leagues, improve their skills, and develop lasting friendships.

She was a former director of Branch 200, First Catholic Slovak Union. Elma is a member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in New Kensington and attended regularly.

Elma was always helpful to her family, friends, and the community. She and her sister Eva were Grade Marshals of the Labor Day Parade 2019. She enjoyed life by baking pizzelle cookies for the children at church, doctors, friends, etc. She loved to play Bingo, go on gambling trips, roll grape leaves, do scratch offs, go to restaurants, and play cards weekly.

The family would like to thank Reverend Father Justin Mokhiber, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, the caregivers who have provided loving, exemplary care to Elma, and the the staff from Good Samaritan Hospice who provided services at Elma's home. Memorials to be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at the Mantini Funeral Home Inc., 701 Sixth Ave., Ford City, where a Trisagion service will be held Sunday.

A Prayer service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the funeral home followed by a Funeral of Divine Liturgy at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 514 Ninth St., Ford City, with Father Justin Mokhiber officiating.

Interment will be in Ford City Cemetery.