Siham T. Ghanem, 84, of Clifton, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025, in Penn Wynne, Pennsylvania. Known to many as "Sue", and remembered for her warmth, dedication, and resilience, Siham touched countless lives through her work, her friendships, and most of all, her family.

Born in Damascus, Syria, Siham was the youngest of six children and the only one to immigrate to the United States. She earned her medical degree from Damascus University School of Medicine and continued her training in France and the U.S., forging a path to a remarkable career as a pediatrician. She established a solo pediatric practice in Paterson, New Jersey, where she cared for generations of families over nearly 50 years. In addition to her practice, she served as faculty at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center and was a proud Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, recognitions that reflected her deep commitment to compassionate, community-based care.

Siham also served for over 40 years as a physician with the Clifton Health Department's vaccine clinic. Her dedication to this work reflected her belief that every child, regardless of background, deserved access to preventive care. It was public health in the truest sense, and she offered it with humility, consistency, and heart.

Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Siham was devoted to serving a richly diverse and underserved patient population. She took pride in learning just enough Spanish, Polish, and other languages to communicate effectively with the families she cared for. A great joy was being able to say "open your mouth" in a child's native language much to the surprise of their parents. That small act of connection embodied her approach to medicine: deeply personal, respectful, and rooted in empathy.

Siham retired at the age of 79, reluctantly, after the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to continue seeing patients in person. Her goal had always been to practice until 80.

Her legacy of care lives on not only in the countless lives she touched but also through her son, Lou, who followed in her footsteps and became a pediatrician. In a sweet and unexpected harmony, his wife, Helen, is also a pediatrician, making children's health a shared calling in the family and a quiet testament to the values that Siham lived by.

Later in life, Siham discovered new passions. She became an avid golfer, joining the Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA), where she found joy and friendship in a vibrant community of accomplished women. She also enjoyed painting, which offered her a quiet space for creativity and reflection.

In 2023, Siham suffered a stroke that changed the complexion of her physical life and introduced a new set of challenges. She met this chapter with characteristic strength, committing herself to recovery and maintaining her sense of humor through it all. What brought her the greatest joy, even in the hardest moments, was spending time with her grandsons. Their presence never failed to lift her spirit.

Siham's life was defined by resilience. She overcame personal and professional hardships with quiet strength and persistence, becoming a source of inspiration to those around her, especially her family.

She is survived by her loving son, Lou; her daughter-in-law, Helen; and her two adored grandsons, Leo and James.

In keeping with her devotion to her grandchildren, and in lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made in her name to organizations that reflect causes important to Leo and James. Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary ( https://sleepyburrows.com.au/how-can-you-help/ https://donorbox.org/sleepy-burrows )  and the National Park Foundation [ give.nationalparks.org ] will carry forward Siham's legacy of compassion, strength, and commitment to the future.