Siham Salem Akel

Siham was born on May 29, 1941, in Ramallah, Palestine, to Musa Yacoub Akel and Nabiha Nimer Akel. At just 18 years old, she left her beloved homeland to begin a new life in the United States, a journey marked by courage, generosity, and unwavering determination. Throughout her life, she remained deeply proud of her Palestinian heritage and found great joy in sharing its traditions and hospitality with everyone who entered her home.

Siham’s love for her family was unwavering. She shared 62 years of marriage with her husband, Salem Akel, who preceded her in death only two years ago. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, treasured traditions, memorable travels, and countless gatherings around the table.

She leaves behind her three daughters, Jean Martha (Iskander), Linda Althouse (Dan), and Marsha Martin (Eric). She is also survived by six grandchildren: Tony Martha (Claudia), Chris Martha, Heather Tadlock (Colin Reynolds), Owen Althouse, Jake Martin, and Luke Martin, along with seven great-grandchildren: Alex Martha, Ava Martha, Abraham Martha, Meadow Martha, Cora Reynolds, Rowan Reynolds, and Violet Reynolds. Nothing brought her greater joy than being surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her two daughters, Lorraine Tadlock and Sandy Anderson.

If you knew Siham, chances are you were treated to her famous S-cookies, unforgettable hummus, or a plate of her grape leaves. No one ever left her home hungry, and few ever left without a container of food tucked into their hands. Feeding people was one of her greatest love languages, and every meal she prepared was an expression of care.

Siham was kind, generous, spirited, and deeply devoted to the people she loved. She enjoyed cooking, baking, game shows, Hallmark movies, family vacations, cheering for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and of course her Krispy Kreme donuts.

Above all else, Siham loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, aunt, and friend. She will be remembered for the way she loved, with generosity, quiet strength, unwavering devotion, and a heart that always made room for one more at the table.

Siham’s legacy lives on in the family traditions she created and the unconditional love she gave so freely. Her kindness, strength, and devotion to her family will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on whenever her family gathers around the table or simply cares for one another the way she always did.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Siham’s life during a visitation on Monday, August 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 4, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 1773 Blanding Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32210. Burial will immediately follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to return to St. Matthew’s Catholic Church for a Mercy Meal as we gather to share memories and celebrate Siham’s life.

Those wishing to honor Siham’s memory may make a memorial donation to St. Matthew’s Catholic Church (1773 Blanding Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32210), where she was a devoted parishioner for more than 40 years.