Salimeh Hakim Shurrush

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Salimeh Hakim Shurrush, who left this earth surrounded by her four children and son-in-law on November 1, 2024. She was born on March 9, 1945 to Salim and Malakeh Hakim in Nazareth, Israel.

Alongside her husband George, in search of the American Dream, they sought a better life and education for their family, making the brave and difficult decision to leave their childhood home and loved ones behind. In 1976, sponsored by her eldest brother, Abe Hakim, they immigrated to Madison, Wisconsin with four young children under the age of nine. Arriving with few belongings, limited financial resources, and minimal knowledge of the English language, their journey opened the door to significant opportunities that their strong work ethic and perseverance would ultimately transform. Salimeh created her own legacy as the third child, and oldest daughter of twelve. From a young age, she took on the role of maternal provider for her 11 siblings, stepping away from school to support her ailing mother. Now in a new country and facing the challenge of providing for her family, she drew on her experiences and her belief that caring for children was the most important job in the world. This led her to establish one of the most sought-after family home daycares in Dane County. As the longest standing Satellite Child Care provider, Salimeh was recognized by Satellite Child Care System for 42 years of enriching the lives of hundreds of children, reflecting her unwavering commitment to nurturing them as her own. In 2006, the Madison Mayor proclaimed January 8-14, 2007 as “Salimeh Shurrush Week.” 

She was also honored by the Department of Public Instruction for 41 years of service to the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Known affectionately as “Mimi,” Salimeh prepared nutritious homemade Middle Eastern meals for the children, with favorites like green spinach and rice. Salimeh’s recipes were published several times in the Wisconsin State Journal. In 2015, she published her beloved recipes in her own cookbook, “Nazareth Cuisine: More Than 100 Authentic Middle Eastern Recipes.”

Mom was our anchor and our rock, the queen of our family. With her huge empath heart and infectious personality, she had a special gift for making each person feel valued, understood, and loved. Known for her unapologetic, radical love, and unwavering generosity, she devoted her life to family, instilling resilience and compassion in all of us. She brought our Middle Eastern culture to life, filling our home with the aromas of traditional food, the sounds of Arabic music, and countless treasured family moments. Her legacy of love will continue to inspire us as we hold on to the countless memories we created together. We will forever be blessed to have her as our mom.

A devoted wife, mother, Teta (grandmother), great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and so much more, Salimeh is survived by her children, Jackie (Tom Melah), Joanna Burish, Susan Piazza, Alex Shurrush, cherished grandchildren, Jake, Kelsey, Raquel, Brooke, Chris, Amber, Lexi, Austin and Ben, and great-grandchildren, Kayden, Blakeleigh, Everett, and Ivan who all brought her immense joy. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband George J. Shurrush, and four brothers. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2015 Parmenter St. Middleton, WI. A visitation will be held in her honor on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave. Madison, WI 53705 and on Thursday at church one hour prior to Mass. Following Mass, family and friends are invited to gather for a luncheon, at St. Bernard Church, to share stories and celebrate her remarkable life. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, Mausoleum, 1 Speedway Rd, Madison. 

We welcome you to share your memories of Salimeh here on her tribute wall. 

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406