Sine SALEM

SALEM Sine Sine Salem, 90, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2011, from complications of prostate cancer. We lost our father, husband, brother, uncle and dear friend on that day, but we will forever cherish what he taught us about life. Dad was the kindest and most gentle soul we knew. We will miss him and cherish his memory for the rest of our lives. Dad was born in Danbury, Connecticut, on October 12, 1920. He studied theology during his youth in Lebanon and Syria. Later, he was an elementary school teacher in Lebanon. He married Ann (Amina Farhat) on July 26, 1949, in Jib Janine, Lebanon. Together, they lived in Jib Janine and Beirut, Lebanon, Springfield, Massachusetts, and finally, Toledo, Ohio. Dad sacrificed everything in Lebanon to make a better life for his family in the U.S. He retired from Chrysler/Jeep Corporation 25 years ago. Dad worked hard to ensure that we had everything we needed to pursue our passions. He lived for his family and was happiest when we were all together. In the end, he just wanted to be with all of us and hold our hands. We knew that he was in much pain, but through the pain he would smile, tell his usual corny jokes and insist that he was fine. He would even attempt to dance while using his walker so that those around him would laugh and be comfortable. This is the way Dad lived his life. He saw the positive in everything and everyone. When we think of Dad, we will think of kindness, laughter, generosity and peace. The memory of his beautiful smile will comfort us when we miss him most. Survivors include his wife of nearly 62 years, Ann; his children, Regina (Mounir) Elkhatib, Omar (Loubna) Salem, Nadeem (Nada) Salem, Rob (Mark Mockensturm) Salem, Mazin (Diana) Salem; his grandchildren, Dina, Rick, Danya, Rasha, Soona, Jad, Anna, Alina, Eli, Samantha, Adam and Noah; his great grandchildren, Juanita, Frankie, Mark and Jaden; his brothers, Mitcheal (Nafie,deceased), Ahmad (Hayat) and Riad (Adibi),along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Amy' his grandson, Mark Elkhatib; his sisters, Najla, Sadie and Leila, and his brother, Naji. We would like to sincerely thank the amazing staff at Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their skilled and compassionate care, especially Sharon B., Sharon V., Toya, Jenny and Tammy. We are also so grateful to Dad's private nurses and aids, especially Michelle and Karin. Dad lived longer than anyone expected, due in large part to the care of his doctors, including Dr. Steve Ariss, Dr. Steve Rubin, Dr. Mark Gallagher and Dr. Rex Mowat. Religious services were held on March 21 at the Islamic Center of Greater of Toledo and burial immediately followed at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. A memorial open house celebrating Dad's life will be held on Friday, March 25, at the Sylvania Country Club from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.