Sabah Dawn Salah

Sabah Dawn Salah, lovingly known as “Aunt Bah,” passed away peacefully in May of 2025 at the age of 68. Born in August, in Chicago, Illinois, Sabah brought joy, warmth, laughter, and deep devotion into the lives of everyone she touched and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Sabah’s greatest joy in life was being an Aunt. To know her was to feel cherished by her. Her nieces and nephews were the lights of her life, as well as those she “adopted” along the way. She embraced her role with open arms and an open heart. Aunt Bah was the embodiment of kindness, strength and resilience. She lived her life with integrity, poise, and an unwavering commitment to the people and traditions she held close to her heart. She was a constant source of support, wisdom, and unconditional love — the kind of Aunt everyone dreams of having. Whether standing tall–or as she liked to say, as tall as she could after shrinking a bit with age–she carried herself with grace and an open heart. Through thoughtful advice, infectious humor, or simply being present when it mattered most, Aunt Bah left a mark that time will never erase. To her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, she wasn’t just an aunt–she was the best “Aunt Bah”.

Sabah was known for her generous spirit, her sharp wit, wonderful cooking, consistent laughter, some major Scrabble skills and her boundless compassion. She had an uncanny ability to make people feel seen and heard, often offering comfort and clarity with just a few words. She was a lover of good food and even better company. Known especially for her Syrian rice and grape leaves and her homemade Syrian bread, her dishes became legendary at family gatherings–so much so, she’d even mail them to relatives out of town. She always had a fun new cookbook or recipe to try or share, and her love of cooking was matched only by the love she poured into each meal. She was fiercely loyal, the life of the party, and never hesitated to stand up for those she loved.

Sabah had a remarkable gift for filling any room with joy and was a woman of tradition, heart and humor. Her chuckle was contagious, her wink followed by a smile–unforgettable. She was truly a people person–a girl’s girl and a best gal to guys. She was the kind of person who took time to get to know anyone new, and could light up a room and connect with anyone in it. 

She loved to travel, whether it was Las Vegas, Hawai’i , or on a boat with a Margarita in hand. A proud member of the Sacramento Tall Club, where she met some of her closest lifelong friends who shared her zest for life. She often spoke of her tall friends with joy and camaraderie. Her fondness for Barbra Streisand, Cher, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra set the soundtrack for many beautiful moments, full of swing, soul and sentiment.

Sabah had a remarkable gift for friendship, forming deep and lasting bonds everywhere she went. At work, she forged strong friendships that extended beyond the office. Her circle offriends was a testament to her warmth, kindness, and ability to make everyone feel like family.In her professional life, Sabah was a dedicated and respected manager. She retired from Regency Fireplace Products, where she successfully managed operations on the West Coast. Her leadership, work ethic, and ability to connect with people earned her the admiration of colleagues and clients alike.

Sabah shared a lifelong, unbreakable bond with her brother, Habib. For over 20 years, Sabah lived just around the corner from him. Whether it was helping with things around the house, offering advice on the car, or simply having Sunday dinner, Habib never hesitated to take care of his sister. His love, loyalty and humor were constants in her life, and their relationship was one of deep respect, protection, and understanding.

Sabah shared a deep love with her partner, Jeffery Schaffer. Their relationship was a source of support and strength, and his presence brought ultimate comfort and companionship to her life. He was a beloved part of her world and remains part of her legacy, His love remains a cherished part of her story. The Salah family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Jeff for the immeasurable joy he brought to Sabah’s life.

Above all, Sabah’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends, especially in the many lives she helped shape and inspire simply by being herself. Her life was a testament to what it means to show up for others, to live with heart and leave a legacy that continues through the lives of all who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Patricia and Kadri, and is survived by Brothers Zakie (Louise) and Habib (Donna), Sister Tamara O’Brien, Sister by Choice Marlene Rose, Nephews Brandon and Brad Salah (Lisa Maiorana), Nieces Breanna (Joseph) Walker and Lauren Salah, Grandnephew Chad Salah and his Mother Jen and Grandnephew Joey Walker as well as Grandnieces Julianna Walker and Isabella Salah.

She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her laughter will echo in our hearts, her recipes will continue to bring us together, and her love will remain a guiding light for generations to come. Forever Loved. Forever Beautiful. Forever Aunt Bah.

A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Sabah’s life. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org or..........go have fun ❤️