Salwa Bajalia Kassees

Salwa (Sylvia) Bajalia Kassees passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday, January 18, 2026. She was born in Ramallah, Palestine on November 29th 1948 to the late Yousef Saliba Bajalia and Freida Bateh Bajalia. She immigrated to the United States as a young girl that led to making a beautiful life in Jacksonville, Florida with her loving husband of 52 years, Victor Abraham Kassees.

Her life was defined by love—not a love that was merely spoken, but one that was lived every single day. Her greatest joy came from her children and grandchildren, and she truly believed that family was not just important, but everything. She poured her time, energy, and heart into making sure each of us felt valued, supported, and deeply loved. Her warm, radiant smile was often the first expression of that love, instantly putting others at ease and making them feel at home.

Her unwavering dedication to her family and her faith, shaped the way she lived and loved. Her working years began alongside her family and their businesses where she carried those same values of care, dedication, and compassion. That spirit of service extended far beyond her work, as her heart naturally led her to give back to others. This calling found its truest expression through her volunteer work at many organizations, including her faithful service of 30 years at Baptist Hospital downtown, touching countless lives with her kindness.

She was connected to the Arabic and Greek communities being a lifelong member of both the Ramallah American Club and St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church. She loved her church family and was very active in its various ministries, including serving as a past president of Philoptochos.

Salwa is survived by her husband Victor; her children, Jennifer Kassees, Andrea Salameh, and Abe (Rawan) Kassees; her cherished grandchildren, Victor III, Nour, Lillian, and Fares; her siblings, Bader (Jeanette) Bajalia, Violette (George, deceased) Louh, and Hilda (Roger) Dunekacke; brother-in-law Edward(Kathy) Kassees, sister-in-law Kathryn Kassees; and numerous nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by her parents; and her sister Nadia (Saleh, deceased) Bajalieh.

The family will greet relatives and friends for visitation at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, 12760 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, on Monday, January 26, 2026 from 5:30 to 6:00 pm, with a Trisagion service at 6:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at the church on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 10:30 am, with Reverend Dr. Nicholas Louh officiating.

Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4802 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville.