Annie Saliba Cardamone

Annie Saliba Cardamone, a sweet "Georgia Peach," passed away peacefully at age 93 on Friday, March 4, 2011, a beautiful, clear, and sunny Phoenix day. Born on June 12, 1917 in Ozark, Alabama, Annie was the daughter of the late Michael Sapp Saliba and Milady Abood Saliba and was raised in Americus, Georgia. She married Frank J. Cardamone from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1942. They had three daughters (Maria Antoinette, Georgia Dale, and Milady Ann) born in Americus and in 1948 moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where they had a son (Frank James, Jr.). Annie was raised Episcopalian and became Roman Catholic in her later years. She was a 1934 high school graduate in Americus, Georgia and a two year graduate of Georgia Southwestern College. As a young woman, she was a member of the Eastern Star. Annie lived as a dedicated and adoring wife and mother in Pittsburgh, where she joyfully raised four healthy, happy children and devoted herself to extended family and friends. In 1972 Annie moved with Frankie to Phoenix, Arizona where she and Frank performed with choirs and enjoyed meeting the diverse people of the Valley of the Sun. She always was a friend and good neighbor, ready with a hug for all. As a crocheting queen, Annie taught all her children and she loved doing crossword puzzles. Annie spent her life taking comfort in God’s love and in her final days she enjoyed hearing the Bible read and singing, "Jesus Loves Me" as her prayer. Annie is preceded in her passing by her parents, her sisters Idale Fain and Zine Bendimire and her brothers: George, Elias, and Farris Saliba. She is survived by her younger brother Michael Saliba, Jr. of Americus, as well as many loved Saliba and Cardamone brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and their families. She is survived by four children and their spouses, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and her beloved husband and sweetheart of 68 years, Frankie. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Calvary Episcopal Church, 408 S Lee St., Americus, GA 31709-3918, (229) 924-3908 or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Sunday, March 13, at Calvary Episcopal Church with Father Don Hutchens officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. A visitation will be held Saturday night, March 12, at Hancock Funeral Home, 427 South Lee Street, from 5:00-7:00 PM. Hancock Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.