Obituary of Mona A. Saba

Mona A. Saba, born Mona May Asfour, in Haifa, Palestine, on April 19, 1933, passed on to her eternal home on May 24, 2023 at the age of 90. She was a faithful woman who loved her family, her friends and her church. A resident of Pittsburgh and a member of Christ Episcopal Church since 1964, she was temporarily residing in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, at the time of her passing.

Mona was one of five children born to Emily and Hanna (John) Asfour. She spent her childhood in Haifa, Palestine. When she was a teen, the family moved from Haifa to Alexandria, Egypt, where she attended the English Girls College for high school. After graduating from high school, Mona moved to Beirut, Lebanon, to attend the American University of Beirut (A.U.B.) where she graduated with a degree in Biology and Education. As a student, Mona was active in Student Government and Athletics, specifically Women’s Track and Field.

Mona met Robert Bahij Saba at the A.U.B. and their marriage was held at the A.U.B. Chapel on July 28,1954. Their marriage was a testament to their unwavering commitment, love and honesty, and shared experiences.

After a few years living and working in Kuwait, Mona and Robert came to the United States for Robert to attend M.I.T. for his Masters in Engineering. Upon graduating, they returned to Lebanon for two years with their two children before returning to the States to Evanston, Illinois. From there, Robert was recruited to work for U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh, where they settled down to raise their family. Their third child was born in Pittsburgh.

Mona was predeceased by her husband of sixty years, Robert B. Saba. She is survived by her three children and their spouses - Naila Busacca (Gary), Michael Saba (Jill), and Philip Saba (Yvette) - and five grandchildren - Madeleine Busacca, Allison Busacca, Braden Saba, Bryce Saba, and Gianna Saba. She is also survived by her siblings – Cecil Asfour, Huda Khoury, Dalal Sawaya, and Lillian Asfour, and their children, her nieces and nephews.

Mona spent years as an educator teaching grade school, French, and Piano, in both Pittsburgh and McLean, Virginia. She was a long-time member of Wildwood Golf Club where she was active in tennis, bridge, and social committees. Mona was an active parishioner at Christ Episcopal Church. She also volunteered for 39 1/2 years at Passavant Hospital and was recently recognized as the longest serving volunteer. Mona had a tremendous impact on all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

Mona will be remembered and celebrated by family and friends at Christ Episcopal Church, 5910 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15237, on June 20, at 11:00 am with a reception to follow at the Wildwood Golf Club from 12:30 - 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you remember Mona and kindly consider a donation to Christ Episcopal Church.