Jul 25, 2011 2 min read

Jessie A. Salim Risha, age 84, of Uniontown, Pa., passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 21, 2011 in the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa.

She was born June 24, 1927 in Uniontown, Pa., the daughter of the late Thomas Salim and Esther Ford Salim.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Isaac J. ‘Ike’ Risha; her sister, Rita Sisson; niece, Esther ‘Terry’ Opar and nephew, Patrick Risha.

Jessie was a member of St. George Maronite Catholic Church and The Ladies Guild.

She loved Bingo, playing cards, traveling to Atlantic City and going to the Horse Races. She enjoyed swimming, roller skating, tap dancing and the Daily Lottery.

She was the former co-owner of Esther’s Tavern and worked over 10 years as a Teacher’s Aide in the Uniontown School District.

She is survived by her loving and devoted children: Sandora Fabian and her husband George of Uniontown, Dr. Daniel J. Risha and his wife Rita of Springfield, Ohio, Jesse J. Risha and his wife Joanne of Uniontown, Joseph J. Risha and wife Ronda of Uniontown, Isaac T. Risha of Uniontown, Dr. Michael P. Risha of Pasadena, Maryland and Professor Grant A. Risha and his wife Karen of State College, Pa. She was a loving Sittee to her Thirteen Grandchildren and was affectionately known as Sittee Sit to her two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Friends will be received in the KEZMARSKY FUNERAL HOME, 71 Pennsylvania Avenue, Uniontown this morning until 9:30 a.m. when Prayers of Transfer will be said followed by a 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy in Saint George Maronite Catholic Church with Rev. Father Nadim Helou, M.L.M. as celebrant.

Interment follows in the Sylvan Heights Cemetery.