Violet Doummar

She was born in Glen Cove, Long Island to Gladys and John Saleeby who were originally from the Middle East. She received her primary education at Mount Saint Joseph in Newburgh, New York. She attended Ravenhill Academy in Philadelphia and was proud to say that Grace Kelly and Corazon Aquino also went there. She graduated from St. John's University in New York with a degree in English. Her first job was working for Bill W., one of the founders of “Alcoholics Anonymous”. She met Henry Doummar, her husband of 39 years until his death in 1995, at an Arabic convention. They married in 1955 and eventually made their home in Lake Worth, Florida in 1959. As an American of Syrian Lebanese descent, she joined Danny Thomas in the drive to build St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She organized the first Teenage March in Palm Beach County in the early 1960’s. She became involved in SLAC of Palm Beach County, a non-political, social club of Arab Americans. She promoted the culture, traditions, and food of her heritage. When King Hussein of Jordan visited Palm Beach in the early 70’s, Violet was asked to prepare his meal, which she turned into a feast. King Hussein called her personally to thank her. The Palm Beach Post article that covered the King's visit included pictures of Vi and the many Arabic delicacies she created that were "Fit For A King”. She used her new-found celebrity status to "be the change she wanted to see in the world”. She stood up for the rights of The Unborn, the plight of the Middle East, and fought pornography, to name a few. She was instrumental in starting a chapter of “Morality In Media” in Palm Beach County. She was a deeply faithful woman whose internal compass was set by her Catholic Faith. She was an inspiration and friend to all who met her. She looked at everything through rose colored glasses, seeing the good in all people and situations. If you were a stranger, she was your first and forever friend. If you rang the bell at dinner, there was a seat at her table for you. If you had a dilemma, she gave wise counsel. She was inclusive, hospitable, and generous to a fault. Her love was unconditional; Her laugh was infectious, both shared with all who were lucky enough to know her. Everyone has a great story about Aunt Vi or Mrs. Doummar. Some called her "iconic." She was certainly ahead of her time. She was a fashion maven and loved "bling!" She loved wearing all of it and did it tastefully. She thought for herself and taught others to see all sides of an issue. She was courageous and never ran from a fight. She was well-read and eloquent on every matter she was passionate about. She received Christmas cards from President and Mrs. Reagan. She was even invited to the White House. She received a Papal Blessing by Pope St. John Paul II for her work with Catholic women and received a Special Commendation from the Palestinian President. She was a peacemaker and a bridge builder. She was "Ultra -Vi” and she will be sorely missed. “Well done good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” Matthew 25:23 She is survived by her daughters Denise Albert (Paul), Renee Hooper (John), Diane Nelson (Brad) and Tina Doummar - who was her devoted caregiver until the end. She is also survived by her brothers Raymond Saleeby of St. Louis and Richard Saleeby (Shirley) of Lantana and her sister Yvonne Salloum of Brooklyn. She was blessed with grandchildren Monica, John Paul, Hank, Olivia, Lily and Nash, beloved great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 7th at 11:00am by Rt. Rev. Archimendrite Glen J. Pothier at St. Nicholas Melkite Catholic Church located at 5715 Lake Ida Road, Delray Beach, Florida 33484. Interment will immediately follow at Memory Gardens in Lake Worth. A light reception will be served after the ceremony at the funeral home. A 40-day Memorial Mass will be celebrated in the Melkite Tradition on August 12th at 11:00am at Saint Nicholas Melkite Catholic Church. Rt. Rev. Archimendrite Gabriel N. Ghanoum will serve as the celebrant. A light reception will follow at the Church. We give special thanks to the many caregivers who helped throughout the years with Mom's care, especially Marie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Nicholas Melkite Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.