Obituary: Devoted to family, friends, generous Nina Sali remembered

Family, friends and community members have shown their support for the much-loved Shepparton woman who died on April 17, aged 77, after a courageous battle with stomach cancer.

Mrs Sali was an adored wife to Sam, a loving mother and mother-in-law to Vivien, Refet, Noreen, Adem, Nazlika and Linda, and a proud grandmother to Sabri, Sarah, Ella and Alan.

Born at the Mooroopna Hospital in 1941 to parents Ismail and Nadire Birang, Mrs Sali was the eldest sister to Cindy and Dinny.

The family lived at 365 Verney Rd in Shepparton, and young Nina attended Congupna Primary School. At school, she was known for being a champion at rounders and a keen runner.

She was loved by many at school and had a natural ability to fluently read and write.

However, her schooling years were cut short.

In her eulogy, Mrs Sali’s daughter Linda said she was unable to attend high school as she had to leave to care for her sick mother.

‘‘From a young age, Mum, the natural caretaker, took on the role of homemaker and ran the household. It was her new role and she did it selflessly,’’ Linda said. ‘‘All to ensure the family home was welcoming and well maintained to the many family and friends that came through the doors.’’

Away from the household chores, Mrs Sali spent her free time with her cousins and friends from the Albanian community, doing embroidery and listening to the radio.

Living near the Sali family in her younger years, Linda said her father Sam always knew he was destined to end up with her mother.

‘‘During Dad’s late teens, his mother would remind him how Nadire Birang had a lovely daughter and how nice she was. Dad was very interested in this beautiful looking girl and no wonder as Mum looked like Queen Elizabeth,’’ she said.

In 1961 at the age of 20, Mrs Sali was engaged to Sam and a year later, they were married at the courthouse on September 17, with a traditional wedding ceremony organised three days later.

Their marriage was a significant moment for the pair as Mrs Sali was the first girl to come into the family of Sabri and Hyrie and their six sons.

Over the years, the Salis welcomed four children into their lives, who they cherished deeply.

Mrs Sali was known for being a hands-on mother, ensuring she played a role in her children’s schooling and their curricular activities.

‘‘Over our primary school years at Bourchier St, Mum was part of the Mothers’ Club Committee where she established many long-term friends ... Mum was often referred to as Mum by many of our school friends,’’ Linda said.

‘‘Our friends have many fond memories of Mum welcoming them into our home, cooking their favourite foods, in particular Albanian dishes and sweets when they came over.’’

Linda said her mother’s world was complete when her children welcomed grandchildren into the family.

While each had a special place in her heart, her first-born grandchild, Sabri, always had a special connection with her.

‘‘Mum thoroughly enjoyed Sabri coming over every day after school. She would have a sandwich made for him and Sabri would say ‘Nanny makes the best chai’ ... Mum would often say Sabri was good medicine for her,’’ Linda said.

Mrs Sali always ensured her home was open for family and friends, ensuring she always had something at hand to serve to guests when they arrived.

However, transport was sometimes an issue with Mrs Sali never obtaining a driver’s licence. She relied on her husband and children to take her to her favourite place, the supermarket.

‘‘Every Saturday, you knew you could find Mum and Dad at Fiore’s Bakery for lunch and then Mum went and did her weekly shopping at Coles, where she was adored by the staff there,’’ Linda said.

While the Salis had many wonderful years together as a family, Linda said the last few months of her mother’s life were tough on them all.

However, Linda said her mother maintained a strong sense of strength and determination during her battle.

‘‘During this time she showed amazing strength and courage and never gave up. She was determined to beat this and was fighting ’til her very last breath,’’ she said.

While her death has left a huge hole in the family, they all agreed Mrs Sali would be remembered for her generosity and selflessness, and for being a wife, mother and grandmother to them all.

‘‘She taught us to always have respect and be kind, generous and forgiving, she was humble and a quiet achiever,’’ they said.

‘‘Mum has always been the person to put everyone else first, she lived for the family and she was a no-fuss, no-frills person who enjoyed the simple things in life.’’