Cecilia Majed Saleh

Cecilia Majed Saleh passed away peacefully on November 29, 2023, at the age of 96, in Raleigh, NC, surrounded by her family. She left behind a legacy of love, faith, and an enduring commitment to her roots and community.

Family was central to Cecilia's life. She was the pillar and glue that bound them together, always emphasizing the importance of love and unity within the family.

She is survived by numerous family members, including her six children: Lamia Ishak, Samir, Joe, Mounir, Maha Sfeir, and DeGaulle; her brother, Antoun Jreige; 33 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and extended family both in the U.S. and overseas in Lebanon.

Cecilia was born on August 10, 1927, in the small mountain village of Mazraat El Toufah in North Lebanon, renowned for its apple orchards and vineyards. Growing up in the countryside, she formed a deep bond with her grandfather and four brothers, instilling in her a profound connection to heritage and family values that she later passed down to her descendants.

In 1976, Cecilia and her late husband, Fahd Saleh, sought refuge in North Carolina to escape the Civil War, joining her late brother, Moussa Domit, who was then the director of the N.C. Museum of Art. Drawn by new opportunities, the Saleh family planted roots in Raleigh, pursuing their American Dream by founding Neomonde in 1977, and in 2011 inspiring Sassool, her nickname. The idea of establishing a family business to create a lasting legacy invigorated Cecilia, and she remained an integral part of the enterprise, maintaining strict quality control even into her late 80s.

Faith was fundamental in Cecilia's life. She started and ended each day with prayer, not only embodying her faith but also living by its principles. As a founding member of Saint Sharbel Maronite Church, she steadfastly supported her parish community until her final days.

Cecilia had a profound impact on those around her. Her genuine warmth and care earned her endearing names like "mama," "taita," and "sitti" among neighbors, friends, and patrons of the family business. Her legacy lives on in each of the lives she touched and the love she shared with all fortunate enough to have known her.

To celebrate Cecilia's life, her family invites all who knew her to honor her memory.

A visitation and viewing will be held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, on Saturday, December 2nd from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

On Sunday, December 3rd, a community gathering and Rosary Prayer Service will be held at Saint Sharbel Church, 600 Mt. Vernon Church Rd., Raleigh, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at Saint Sharbel Church on Monday, December 4th at 11:00 am with a Mercy Meal to immediately follow at The Royal Banquet, 3801 Hillsborough St. #109, Raleigh.

In honoring her legacy, attendees are encouraged to wear shades of blue, Cecilia's favorite color, symbolizing the radiance and serenity she brought to all and the joy she found in life's simple beauties.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Sharbel Church or a charity of your choice. Link to donate: https://saintsharbelchurch.org/donate/

Arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC.