Doris Matney Saleeby

Doris Matney Saleeby passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on December 21st, 2021. There are no words to express how much we will miss our “Mama Doris”. We are comforted knowing that she is in heaven with the love of her life Richard G. Saleeby Sr., who predeceased her last year.

Doris was born on November 3rd, 1935 in Danville Virginia, to Lebanese immigrants Mitchell and Helen Matney.

“Mama Doris” was the matriarch of her family. Though small in stature, she had the biggest heart of any person in this world. She welcomed anyone with open arms and had a one of a kind personality. She was without doubt one of the sweetest, kindest and thoughtful people that graced this earth. She touched so many lives with her radiant love and joy. She always made time to listen, but most of the time she was the one telling all the stories. Her wisdom and positivity was unmatched, she absolutely loved life. You couldn’t leave without receiving a warm smile and “I love you”. She was loved by so many people. One of her best qualities was how she lived her life as a Christian. Not one day went by without her reading her bible, praying and being/walking at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. She embodied what it meant to be a child of God. She set an example for so many people to follow. Heaven now has the sweetest angel watching over us.

Doris dedicated her early years to raising her family of four children and epitomized being a supportive wife, strong mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Family meant everything to her and she nurtured each relationship to make it unique and special. She devoted her entire life to her family. She displayed resiliency and strength during challenging times but never lost sight of God being the center of her world.

Doris prided herself on the decades she devoted working at her husband’s surgical practice that he started in Raleigh, NC. She enjoyed every minute and strived to be very personal with each and every patient (she probably knew your life story before you left!) Often she and Richard could be seen arriving and leaving the office together holding hands. She had the time of her life working alongside her husband. They were the ultimate role models for so many people throughout their marriage. She will leave countless memories for all of us to cherish, especially her warm smiles and caring heart.

She was predeceased by her husband Richard last year. She is survived by her four children: Sons- Rick (Jackie), Robin (Tina), Steve (Sheri) and daughter Richel (Joe). Brothers: John (Jane) and Arthur (Lynda). Grandchildren: Ashton (Dan), Robb (Alex), Alexa (Richard), Joanna (Brad), Julie (Daniel), Matney (Aaron), Stephen and Sydney (Sammy). She leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Will, Austin, James, Samuel, Benjamin and Toler. She is also survived by Dr. Mark Samia who was like a son, her very special sister-in law Samera Hayhurst, and Jackie Glover her amazing, loving caregiver/best friend.

A funeral service and celebration of her life was held at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church on Friday, January 7, 2022, burial followed at Raleigh Memorial Park. Donations can be made in her honor to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church C/O Doris Saleeby, 1520 Canterbury Road, Raleigh, N.C. 27608 or a charity of your choice.

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