Munira Elias Salameh

The Lord has called home His heaven-on-earth angel, Munira Elias Salameh. Munira was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She peacefully passed away surrounded by family, leaving a legacy of love, compassion, strength, and resilience. Munira was born on April 9, 1946, and ascended into the arms of the Lord on April 05, 2025, at the age of 78. She spent 55 years married to the love of her life, Nasim, and together, they raised four children. Munira is survived by her children, Julie Forte (Charles), Joseph, Jeannie (Lisa), and Johnny Salameh; six grandchildren: Gabriella, Bianca, Gianna, Ava, Lillian, and Arielle; and her three brothers: Khalil, Saliba, and Ramzi Salameh, along with many other family members who were like siblings to her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elias and Zareefah Salameh, her brothers, Munir and Samir Salameh, and her sisters, Miriam Akel and Jalilah Nasser.

Born in Ramallah, Palestine, Munira immigrated to the United States as a teenager, taking immense pride in becoming a U.S. citizen. It began a journey of courage and perseverance, overcoming some of life's greatest challenges with a warrior spirit, fierce determination, and grace, always supported by her close-knit family.

In 1972, she and her husband opened their first restaurant, All American Hot Dog, which became a staple in the community. Munira greeted each person who walked in with the warmth of an old friend and a smile that made you feel like you'd known her forever. This was just so fitting for a woman who poured her soul into cooking for everyone, whether it was for a family member, friend, stranger, or someone craving a special Munira dish. Her meals became legendary—transforming simple ingredients into feasts that tasted like home. No Middle Eastern dish ever tasted quite like hers – a testament of her devotion to her craft.

That same devotion extended to her family. She was a faithful wife whose love never wavered. As a mom, she always had faith in her children, surrounding them with love. Her family connection transcended everything else in life - from her children and grandchildren to the unique bond she shared with her cousin-siblings—a connection so profound it defied explanation. Beyond her family, as a devoted servant of God, she opened her heart to all, embracing the role of a mother to anyone who needed guidance, love, and care.

Munira was a healer, a bright light of hope to everyone she encountered, and she believed that God sent her here as an angel to help others. For those who knew her kindness, love, and genuine spirit, it was clear that she had a mission, often passing along a message from heaven to those who seemed to need it most. Munira saw the good in everyone and had one of the sweetest hearts and most generous souls. She never met a stranger—only souls she was meant to touch. So often, people walked away from her, feeling God had sent them a spiritual messenger when they needed it most. Munira embraced the role God gave her, never viewing it as a burden but as a gift. She never left anything unsaid and always ended conversations with "God bless you." To know her was to feel God's love here on earth. Her unwavering faith prepared her for a joyful and peaceful path to heaven – telling her children, "Don't be sad; we should be celebrating."

Munira's kindness, strength, and love will always inspire us. She'll be deeply missed but never forgotten. While she is now at rest, the love she gave lives on in every soul she touched. As we say goodbye, we do so with full hearts—grateful for the gift of her life, the peace God granted her, and comforted in knowing she is home.

Until we meet again, God bless you, sweet Munira.

A visitation for Munira will be held Friday, April 11, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St George's Antiochian Orthodox Church, 6300 Bowden Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM with The Very Reverend Archpriest Fr. Kamal Al-Rahil officiating.