Mary Magdalene Salameh, a lifelong resident of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on August 13, 1945, Mary lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and a profound love for the beauty of the world around her.

Mary graduated from Incarnate Word Academy in 1963. Over her lifetime, she embraced many diverse occupations. She worked as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell, shared her warmth as a beloved preschool teacher for the Head Start program, and later operated a town car driving service alongside her husband. Her passion for the arts also led her to spend many joyful years working as an usher at the Houston Grand Opera and The Houston Ballet.

A woman of deep and unshakeable faith, Mary loved Jesus and the Blessed Mother. She dedicated countless hours to studying scripture, journaling, and praying. Her faith was translated into active service to her community: she spent many years as a CCE Teacher at Resurrection Church and frequently volunteered her time to visit and pray with detained youth at a Houston detention center. Though she possessed few material riches, Mary had an incredibly generous heart, always seeking out ways to share whatever she had with anyone in greater need.

Mary’s artistic spirit shone through everything she did. A talented pianist from childhood, she loved music, drawing, painting, and singing. Her deep appreciation for the theater led her to study Costume Design. She also studied Landscape Architecture. She had a passion for designing beautiful landscapes and a special love for dogs. Anyone fortunate enough to walk through a garden, the woods, or an arboretum with Mary received a delightful, impromptu lesson on the exact name of every tree and plant along the path.

Above all, Mary was a good and loving mother, sister, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sonny Salameh, as well as her parents, Saul and Mary Perez.

She is survived by her sister, Virginia Katsaounis (Sakis); her three adult children, Christian Perez, Gina Hacker (Troy) and Laila Salameh; and her three cherished grandchildren, Joshua Hacker, Sophia Hacker, and Max Valdez. Her legacy of love, generosity, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Rosary and Memorial Mass will be held in her honor Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at Resurrection Catholic Church, located at 915 Zoe St., Houston, TX 77020. The Rosary will begin at 9:30am followed by a Memorial Mass at 10am.