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BORN
1919
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Violet Salem Obituary
Long-time educator
Grafton - Violet V. ( Namay ) Salem passed away April 22 after a period of declining health. A resident of Grafton and recently of Shrewsbury Crossings, Violet was a long-time teacher whose career began in a one-room school in WVA at the age of nineteen. She loved the children so much that she attended night school to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Morris Harvey College.
Her career spanned four decades, teaching in WVA, VA and MA culminating with her retirement from the Grafton Public Schools in 1985. Throughout her tenure parents often requested that their children be placed in her class room. She was also graced with many "thank you" notes and letters from past students, who she inspired to become educators themselves.
The youngest of five children, Violet was born to Moses and Edna (Lewis) Namay in Charleston, WVA. After a whirlwind romance, she married Samuel Salem, Sr of Worcester and began raising their family while pursuing her career. She was predeceased by her husband, who died in 1977.
Violet was a member of Saint George Orthodox Cathedral, where she served as Superintendent of Sunday School for many years, and was one of the first women to be elected to serve on the Parish Council.
Violet is survived by her family which were her pride and joy: Alberta Milhem and her husband Kenneth, Samuel Salem, Jr. and his wife Linda and Sandra Salem all of Grafton; three grandchildren: Samuel Salem III and his fiancé Taylor Dunn of Fort Worth TX, Kaitlyn Martin and her husband Sean of Auburn, and Dominique Salem Mastrototoro and her husband Justin Whiteside of Grafton; four great grandchildren, Noah Salem, Kara Ashley Salem, Jordan Salem, and Riley Martin; many nieces and nephews.
Calling Hours will be held on Friday, April 27 in Saint George Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again on Saturday morning from 10:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 11:30 a.m., with Father Milad Selim presiding. Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Saint George Orthodox Cathedral 30 Anna Street, Worcester, MA 01604.
There is an online register for messages and condolences, it can be found at
www.mercadantefuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Violet Salem
Sponsored by Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester.
Lucille Favulli Richards
April 29, 2018
There are some people who enter one's life for a short time and leave a lasting impression. Vi was one of those people. I met Vi for the first time in March while visiting my mom at Shrewsbury Crossing. Vi was so vibrant and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with her. It was obvious that her family and teaching were her passions. How fortunate she touched so many lives!
My sincere sympathies to all of the Salem family. I know Vi will be missed greatly.
Dan Namay
April 28, 2018
Bertie, Sandy & Sam,
Words can't express the sorrow I feel, nor ease the pain I know you're feeling, at the passing of Aunt Violet. I try to take comfort in the memories of you all, & the knowledge that she's now reunited with her parents & siblings in the heart of God.
Love you all. And prayers for you all & your families.
Susan Boucher
April 28, 2018
Alberta, Sam, Sandy and families,
I was so sorry to hear of your moms passing. She was a wonderful neighbor as well as an educator. I will miss our little chats as we passed in the neighborhood. She will not be forgotten. Our deepest condolences, Sue and Aime
April 27, 2018
My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family at this very sad time. Violet was a true spark of life. I can still hear her laughter, as she filled those around her with joy and love. I have many fond memories of our visits together.
With love,
Diana Dowd from Maine
Ed Haddad
April 27, 2018
Dominique, Alberta, Sandy and Sam,
Our most sincere condolences on Vi's passing.
May her memory be eternal.
Ed & Cathy Haddad
Brenda Markowski
April 27, 2018
Dominique, Sandy, and Alberta -
So sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your extended family and friends. Thinking of all you during this difficult time.
Susan & Michael Weidman
April 27, 2018
To the Salem Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. She was a very sweet lady, who touched everyone she met with her kindness.
Andrea Finn
April 27, 2018
Alberta, Sorry to hear about your mother. What an amazing woman. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Andrea, Steinmart
Constance Hopkins
April 27, 2018
The definition of a true lady would be mrs Salem. She loved her students and they returned that love. Will be remembered as one of the best teachers ever. RIP in teacher heaven. The hopkins family
Brian & Linda Miner
April 27, 2018
In honor of a wonderful Mother, teacher, neighbor and friend. We are grateful that Violets life cross-crossed with ours on Vincent Rd, in Graftons classrooms and later, surprisingly, at St Georges. On behalf of the Miner and Dowd families, may her memory be eternal.
Wil Guglielmello
April 26, 2018
My sincere condolences to all of Vi Salem's family. Mrs. Salem as I knew her, was my 3rd grade teacher in Grafton, at Norcross school on North Street. Always very kind is how I remember her. May all the memories you have of her keep her close to your heart always.
April 26, 2018
So sorry for your loss,she was a great teacher and friend,may Godhold her in his arms..the Conway famil,Mark,Fran,Meggin and a Todd.
Pete Davekos
April 26, 2018
Sam & Linda,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Pete & Mia
Nina Namay
April 25, 2018
Bertie, Sammy, Sandy and families, I was so sorry to hear of Aunt Violet's passing. May she rest in peace. Blessings to you all. Love, Nina
April 25, 2018
Bertie, Sammy & Sandy,
My heart goes out to you and yours for the loss of your mom. Vi was a "one of a kind gem". She and your dad made Rich & I very comfortable in their home and lives.
Remembering when they returned from one of their trips with "worry beads" and a small cedar camel for me. It was a major event for me coming from the Middle East and remembering me.
Through the years we've stayed in touch through cards. Her penmanship was always beautiful. Your entire family is as lucky as everyone else she touched and more. Vi will be in my heart forever.
Kathy & Rich Reynolds
Joan Beaudoin
April 25, 2018
To all of Vi's family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss...Vi was one of the world's most vibrant people ever. I taught with her at Grafton Elementary School on North St., and she was a wonderful colleague for a new teacher. Even after her retirement we still would get together for various reasons, always with loving hugs and the spice that Vi always brought to any gathering. She was a vibrant and loving person who was one of the wonderful teachers at that school who gave me my start as an educator.
April 25, 2018
Alberta and family, So sorry for your loss. I remember teaching with your mother for three years in Grafton. What a lovely, gentle woman. Her advice for teaching was so helpful to me. Also enjoyed the times she came to the flower stand over the years, and we could enjoy remembering the good times. God bless you all at this time of separation. Suzanne Wilkinson, Hi Hill Farm.
April 25, 2018
Sandy and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Sending you my thoughts and prayers.
Linda "Freeburn" Manna
Stacey Smith
April 25, 2018
Alberta, Sam, & Sandy; I am so sorry to hear the passing of your Mother, she was a wonderful person. We will miss her at the salon and her wonderful stories.
gene&jean ploss
April 25, 2018
To all the Salem family so sorry for your loss
George Zakaib Jr
April 25, 2018
Hi Alberta, I am saddened to hear of your mother's passing. We lost touch after you and family moved from Charleston. There seemed to be an empty spot in the pews of St George where the Salems sat in front of the Zakaib's. 65 years later... time has flown in some respects. Your Mom must have been one great school teacher. I see you have followed in her footsteps and I'm sure with the same passion for kids and teaching. A life well lived. May God rest her soul. George
.
David Cerasoli
April 24, 2018
Such fond memories off a kind and thoughtful teacher. My condolences to Alberta, another great teacher. When I was told of the passing of my former teacher, it brought a rush of such fond memories and a smile to my face to have known such a great woman. The world is definitely a better place because of her dedication and commitment to the forming of young minds. I will always keep you in my fond memories.
April 24, 2018
Alberta, so sorry for your loss. May her memory be eternal.
Betsy Langas
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