Wilma Haddad Slyman

1925 - 2025

Wilma Haddad Slyman

May 26, 1925 - May 5, 2025

Wilma Jean Haddad Slyman, age 99, passed away May 5 at her home in Winston-Salem, NC. A native Pennsylvanian, Wilma was born to Sam Haddad and Phoebe Eazer Haddad on May 26, 1925, in Beaver Falls. Known to many as "Sittoo" (Arabic for grandmother), Wilma's life story can be described through three overlapping arcs: faith, family and service.

Wilma lived a life rooted in faith. A devout Catholic, devoted follower of Christ, and guided by the teachings of scripture, she was an encouragement to her children, and those around her.

Wilma's love for her family can best be described through 1 Corinthians 13 vs 4-7: "4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful, 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." She was a dedicated wife to her late husband, Michael Anthony Slyman, a devoted mother to her six children, a fierce Sittoo to a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren, and a wise mentor and friend to countless others. An avid Steelers fan, she was at Three Rivers Stadium to witness the Immaculate Reception. Her bright smile will be remembered by all.

Shaped in the Great Depression and by World War II, Wilma was called to a life of service. After graduating with a degree in nursing from St. Francis Hospital in 1945, Wilma's 50-year career included caring for veterans, working night shift at the hospital, working as a pediatric nurse for her brother, Dr. George Haddad, and as a family practice nurse for Dr. Stephen Hux. Wilma's desire for a purpose-filled life extended well beyond her profession, giving sacrificially to her family and friends. Whether it was caring for grandchildren, lending a listening ear, or baking amazing bread, pies, and holiday cookies, Wilma loved well and was well loved.

In addition to her parents, Wilma is preceded in death by her husband; sister, Mildred Davis; and brother, William Haddad. Her surviving family includes her son, Dr. Jim Slyman (Trish); daughter, Beth Parks (John); daughter, Peggy Reingold (Bill); son, John (Hidemi); son, Tom (Karen); daughter, Jeanne Gallagher (Tim); her 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; and brother, Dr. George Haddad of New Brighton, PA.

A Celebration of Life for Wilma will be held on Saturday, May 31 at Reynolda Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem. The family will receive friends at 11 a.m., and a service will follow beginning at 12 p.m.

On June 26, at 10 a.m., family will receive friends at St. Cecilia Church in Rochester, PA. A funeral mass will follow beginning at 11 a.m. Following mass, Wilma will be laid to rest at St. Cecilia Mausoleum next to her late husband.

We are so grateful to the women who lovingly cared for our mother over the last years: Starr Cartrette, Constance Graham, Jackie Baldwin, Cynthia Henao, Sierra Dobbs, Candace Kimbrough, Valerie Long, Michelle Trent, Laverne Sherrill, and Da'ton Edwards.

We also want to express sincere appreciation to Mountain Valley Hospice and Trellis for their help in providing care and peace to our mother in her last days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice in Mt. Airy or Trellis Supportive Care in Winston-Salem.