Helen Rosa (Ratini) Salem

Helen Rosa Ratini Salem, a beloved member of the community, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the age of 92, in Bristolville, Ohio.

Helen was born Nov. 30, 1931, in Jenkins, Kentucky. She grew up in Newton Falls, Ohio. She will be remembered for her kindness, warmth and unwavering love for her family and friends.

As a young adult, Helen left Ohio for Louisiana, where she got a good job working in a bank. Later, she went to California to be closer to one of her brothers. It was there that she met and married Sam; they eventually settled in Fullerton, California.

Helen could make anything grow; she had a green thumb. She and Sam planted every fruit tree imaginable and they all thrived. She also had chickens and sheep on the property. Her home was a great place for six children to grow up.

Helen returned to Ohio in 1983. She worked various office jobs until she landed a more permanent position through EDS, working for Packard on North River Road, where she eventually retired. She made lifelong friendships at Packard and became part of a group known as “The Circle of Friends.”

Helen had a very giving nature. She was generous to a fault. When she had no money, she tried to volunteer. She had empathy for everybody.

Helen loved cooking, baking, canning, sewing, gardening and cross stitching. She poured over every Martha Stewart recipe magazine. She made the best cakes and cookies and passed on that love and knowledge to her children.

Helen's favorite movie was “The Quiet Man,” with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. She love to watch Andy Griffith reruns and, if you watched them with her, she would give you the entire synopsis.

Helen valued her independence. She had a stubborn streak a mile wide - and she expressed that till the very end.

To Mom's long time caregivers, Renee, Cathy, Tonya, and Rose, who helped us greatly these last few years and in the hardest last months, the family is very grateful for your care and compassion. She was greatly loved and she will be sorely missed. We, her family, cannot express the extent of this loss.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Kamel Samuel “Sam” Salem; her brothers, Alfred, Charles, Joseph and Frank Ratini; her grandson, Ian; and her great-grandson, Brantley.

Helen is survived by her children, Kamel, Rafka, Salah, Sarah, Felicia and Emir; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are being handled by Borowski Memorial Home in Newton Falls. Calling hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024. The service will start promptly at 11:00 a.m., with interment to immediately follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Newton Falls.

“May perpetual light shine upon her and may she rest in peace.”

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