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Sally Shaheen Joseph
Born: 8/29/1932
Died: 5/26/2024
Age: 91
Community: Flint, MI
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In Loving Memory of Sally Shaheen Joseph
August 29, 1932 - May 26, 2024
Sally Shaheen Joseph, a beloved wife, mother, sister, (Sito) grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully from complications of Parkinson's Disease in her sleep on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at the age of 91. She was born in Michigan City, IN, came into this world with a bang and blew up expectations and norms all along her journey. She was a trailblazer who lived a life filled with love, joy, and devotion to her family, leaving behind a legacy of achievement and service. She was a generous person who opened her heart, doors, and kitchen to all. God bless the Jehovah's Witnesses who she converted to Orthodoxy over breakfast when they came knocking!
Born into modest beginnings and facing various challenges related to poverty and illness as a child, she left home at 16 to pursue a singing career. Before her marriage, she showcased her talent as the lead jazz singer in a group called "Sally Shane and the Four Ways," leaving audiences captivated by her powerful voice. She had incredible adventures on the road as a performer and told a great story about the time Sammy Davis, Jr., offered to pay for her appendectomy. Sally's journey through life was a testament to her indomitable spirit, her unwillingness to adhere to traditional gender roles, and her unwavering dedication to making a difference in the world.
Sally was blessed with a loving marriage to the late Edward P. Joseph (1927-1987). Together, they raised five kids in a raucous family filled with iconic road trips, board games played till the death, competitive sports, and Flint bowling. Edward's passing left a void in Sally's heart, but her strength and resilience continued to shine through as she faced life's challenges with grace.
Despite dropping out of high school, she refused to let that define her path. With unwavering persistence and determination, she earned three associate degrees from Mott Community College, a four-year degree from the University of Michigan-Flint, and eventually a law degree from Cooley Law School while raising five children and commuting each day.
Sally dedicated her life to public service and community involvement. She served as a Trustee for Mott Community College on two separate occasions, contributing her expertise to the advancement of education and the betterment of students' lives. As a Trustee and later Supervisor of Flint Township, she made a lasting impact on the community she loved. She was a proud member of the Genesee County Bar Association, and was an original member of the consumer protection division of the Genesee County prosecutor's office in the 1970s. She was also in-house counsel for NuVision and served as Risk Manager for the Genesee County Road Commission.
She actively served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Genesee County YWCA, The Salvation Army, Easter Seals, Michigan Women's Commission, Arab American Heritage Council, The Flint Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Fair Winds Council of Girl Scouts. Additionally, she played vital roles at Saint George Orthodox Church where her faith and sense of community flourished. She was also a proud Rotarian, and in her 80s, she embarked on a trip to Mexico as part of the Rotary Club's Prevention in Blindness initiative, exemplifying her unwavering dedication to helping those in need, no matter the distance.
Sally was awarded the Sybyl Award for her volunteer work in Genesee County, a crowning achievement that validated her life of service.
An exceptional cook, Sally delighted in bringing people together through the joy of food and enriched by her Lebanese hospitality. Her last meal was kibbee and leban that she relished with pride having been made for her by her kids. She also enjoyed engaging in various hobbies, including gardening (she was still pulling weeds two days before she passed), playing cards, working word puzzles, and reading.
Sally was preceded in death by Edward, her parents, Adele (Sawaya) and James Shaheen, and her brother, Raymond Shaheen.
Sally leaves behind her five children and their families: Barbara Gress, daughter Elaina, step-daughter Kirsten, and former son-in-law Deric Gress; Jacqueline Joseph (Kim McKeon) and daughter Emma, John Joseph (Christina) and children Abigail and Alex, Jordan Wood, and Mikenzie Frost; Stephanie Long (Michael) and children Katharine and Jacob; and Allison Joseph (Chris Guerra). Her grandchildren will especially miss her quirky humor, air kisses, and soothing arm massages.
Sally will also be missed by her siblings, Barbara Campbell of California, Gerry Scharschmidt of Arizona, and Paul Shaheen of Bath, Michigan.
She also leaves behind 13 nieces and nephews: Jason Joseph, Diana Lowcock, Chris Borchert, Michelle Jackson, Jackie Amara, Al Amara, Gina MacGregor, Stan Mardeusz, Cindy Reedy, Frank Mardeusz, Jamie Mardeusz, Megan Shaheen, and Bobbie Shaheen who she loved as her own, dozens of great nieces and nephews, and an extended family who she loved dearly. Sally was blessed with a large Lebanese family that she cherished.
Arrangements are being handled by Swartz Funeral Home on 1225 W. Hill Rd, Flint, MI. Visitation will be observed at the funeral home on Thursday, May 30 from 1:00-4:00 pm and 5:00-8:00 pm with a Trisagion service officiated by Fr. Michael Bassett at 7:00 pm, and at St. George Orthodox Church on Lennon Rd., on Friday May 31st from 9:00-11:00 am with a funeral service immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Rotary Club of Flint, Parkinson's Research, or St. George Orthodox Church.
May her soul rest in eternal peace and may her memory be a blessing that continues to bring comfort and strength to all who knew her.
Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
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Copyright © 2024 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
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5/30/2024 |
| Time: |
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1:00 PM |
| Visitation will be observed at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road on Thursday, May 30 from 1:00-4:00 pm and 5:00-8:00 pm. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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5/31/2024 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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St. George Orthodox Church
5191 Lennon Road
Flint, MI 48507Get a Map to this location...
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