Isabell Salloum Haggar

Known for her deep faith, gentle Southern spirit, and love of family and friends, Isabell Salloum Haggar passed away on June 12, 2022. Prophetically born on Valentine’s Day, she is defined by her kind and generous heart.

Isabell is survived by her three children and their spouses: Lydia Novakov and her husband Dan; their children Isabell Novakov Higginbotham and her husband Trey, and their daughter Lydia Ann; Daniel Novakov, Jr. and his wife Sarah, and their children Marilyn Rose and Isabella Jane; Joe Haggar III and his children Jennifer Haggar Ghassemi and her husband Cameron, Joanne Haggar and her fiancé Eric Wood and Jessie Haggar Dudney and her husband Mark; Marian Bryan and her husband George, and their children Rosie Bryan Foster and her husband Matthew, and their children Haggar and Isabell, Mary Bryan; and Emily Bryan; sister-in-law, Rosemary Haggar Vaughan; brother-in-law, Ron Werby, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

Isabell was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Marion Haggar, Jr.; her parents, Lydia and Mitchell Salloum; her sister, Lydia Salloum Werby; her brother, Mitchell M. Salloum and her stepmother, Mary Catherine Salloum.

Originally from Gulfport, Mississippi, Isabell moved to Dallas as a young bride. Intellectually curious, deeply caring, and loyal, she formed lasting friendships. She and Joe traveled the world extensively with other couples. Wherever travels took them, Isabell helped with the planning and always remained a thoughtful companion and good sport. She eagerly visited churches, monuments, and museums, while also seeking out educational speakers and cultural events. An avid reader, daily cross word puzzle wiz, backgammon champion and bridge partner extraordinaire, all of which kept her mind sharp and clear for 92 years.

Isabell’s greatest joy, however, came from being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was the ultimate cheerleader and sports fan for all generations. Isabell’s delight grew even more, as she hosted frequent family gatherings where in time Lebanese meals became traditions. Affectionately referred to as “Mammaw,” she was the heart and soul, moral compass, and adored matriarch of our family. She nurtured and loved all beyond measure.

In a family where she fostered a devout Catholic faith, Isabell lived the Beatitudes in her every action. She was committed to serving others. She supported Joe’s tenure on the Dallas City Council; chair of Goals for Dallas Bond Campaign and his service to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to name just a few that benefitted from his efforts. She was the wind beneath the wings of “Big Joe” and the success of Haggar Clothing Company. At the same time, she modeled servant leadership through her own involvement with organizations, such as the Dallas Woman’s Club, Marianne Scruggs Garden Club, Christ the King Altar Society, the American Heart Association, the Women’s Auxiliary of Nexus, and St. Paul Medical Center Foundation. Along with Joe she received the 2006 Spirit of Generations Award from The Senior Source. She was the Executive Director/President of the J.M. Haggar, Jr. Family Foundation for the past 10 years where she helped direct and maintain the Foundation’s philanthropic goals.

People knew Isabell did the work quietly and delivered the results humbly, reflecting her Catholic values. She also encouraged her children to invest time in their communities, and they often volunteered alongside her.

Blessed with the amazing gift of making you feel special and appreciated, regardless of age or background, Isabell always treated you as the most important person in the room.

Our family remains grateful for the care extended to Isabell for many years by Dr. Paul Wade; Caregivers: Carolyn Coggins, Billie Slaton, and Judy Tackett; as well as Dolores Campbell, Cuca Herrera, Linda Perez, and Alma Rostro.

Isabell was loved profoundly and will be greatly missed and remembered by all who knew her. She cultivated strong roots of faith, family, and friendship throughout her life, and her legacy will continue to flourish.

The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8017 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75225. The Memorial Mass will also be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church at 11:00 am on Monday, June 20, 2022, Reverend Monsignor Milam J. Joseph-Celebrant.

With gratitude for her remarkable life, the family welcomes, in lieu of flowers, donations in her name to one of the following charities or the charity of your choice:

Notre Dame School of Dallas

2018 Allen Street

Dallas, Texas 75204

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Regional Office

5800 Campus Circle Drive East

Suite 108-A

Irving Texas 75063

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas

Texas Health Resources Foundation

P. O. Box 200038

Arlington, Texas 76006