Linda Salhaney

Linda Salhaney (née Bendekgey) fell asleep in the Lord on October 6, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was 98 years old, and the last Bendekgey of her generation. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elias and Mintaha Bendekgey; brothers Fred (Alice) Bendekgey, Tofeet, and Michael; sisters Mary (Bill) Wawee, Louise (Harold) Whalen, Eleanor (Lloyd) Heibel, Jean (Alex) Khouri, and Helen (Jim) McAllister; nephew Ed Khouri, and niece Renee Kuhn.

Linda was born February 8th, 1926, and lived her entire life in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was deeply devoted to her faith and was a lifelong member of St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, of which her parents were founding members. She sang in the choir, was a member of SOYO, helped cook for the Middle Eastern dinners, and was a highly respected member of the parish.

Linda’s family was of utmost importance to her, and she left an everlasting impression on the next generations. She was an excellent cook, and will be especially remembered for the elaborate Syrian meals she prepared for Sunday dinners; the weekly gathering of the family, a tradition which began around her parents’ table and continued for decades.

Linda’s cooking was just one of her many expressions of love and care. She touched the lives of everyone she met with her warmth and kindness. She was an excellent listener, sought out for advice and encouragement. Her selfless devotion to her family exemplified the meaning of unconditional love.

Linda leaves behind her devoted children, Camille (Mike) Harvey, and Mitchell Salhaney, Jr; beloved grandchildren, Jon (Kyle) Moroney, Eli (Jackie) Salhaney, David Moroney, Kim (Austin) Hollabaugh, Janalyn Salhaney, Jourdan (Christopher) Chiakulas; and the great-grandchildren in which she truly delighted: Asher, Peyton, Carson, Zachary, Peter, Harper, Mariam, Sydney, Melanie, and Livvy, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Linda will always be the heart and soul of her family, eternally remembered, loved and missed. She will be carried in our hearts forever.

Visitation for Linda will be held Friday, October 11th from 3-5pm and 6-8pm with a Trisagion Prayer Service held at 7:30 pm. Her funeral will take place on Saturday, October 12th at 11:00 am with visitation from 10-10:45 am. Both the visitation and funeral will be at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2250 East Paris Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.  Interment will be immediately following the service at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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