SALWA N. GAZALA (nee Hishmeh) age 86. Beloved wife of Nicola; loving mother of Ramzi, Mona and Edna Morrell (David); grandmother of Louis and Jonathan Solymos; sister of Basem, Marwan Hishmeh and the late Isam.

Salwa Gazala was born in Jerusalem on September 5, 1936 to parents Labib and Frida Hishmeh. She was the eldest of four children and grew up in Ramallah, Palestine along with her brothers, Isam, Basem, and Marwan.

Salwa graduated from Ramallah public school with high marks. Shortly thereafter she returned to the same school as a teacher and was well-loved by her students. In 1957, she and her parents and brothers emigrated to the United States and settled in the Cleveland area.  She worked as a department store clerk and as a secretary until 1962, when she married her childhood sweetheart, Nicola Gazala. Salwa and Nicola have lived on Cleveland's west side ever since. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in May 2022.

Salwa had three children, Ramzi, Mona and Edna. Ever the educator at heart, she made sure her children had math and English workbooks to fill out during their summer breaks. As her children got older, Salwa also worked as a daycare provider for other families. She mentioned once that this was her favorite job. And when her two grandchildren Louis and Jonathan were born, she cared for them as well.

Salwa was beloved by family members for her friendliness and joviality. She loved music - everything from hymns to Arabic songs to 80's classic rock - and when there wasn't any music playing, she would happily hum or sing-song a cappella.

Salwa was also an advocate for Palestinian rights and identity, bringing edcational materials on Palestine to share with her children's after school groups, and frequently calling in to radio talk shows in the 1970's to give the Palestinian perspective on current events.

She was an avid keeper of photographs and stories, passing down family histories both orally and through her collection of photo albums.

Passed away November 16, 2022. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS SATURDAY 3-5 PM. with a Funeral Service to begin at 4:15 PM.