Saada E. Farha

is honored with a Medium Paver from Jeanette Farha Bayouth, Henry S. Farha, Jr., and Jimmie L. Farha.

November 2, 1902 - December 21, 1994

In today's times, we often take the opportunity of education for granted. Most adults in our professional circles have a minimum of a college degree and many have advanced degrees. This situation was vastly different in 1920 when our mother became the first member of her family to graduate from high school. Because of that accomplishment, which was a rarity for women of that time, it is appropriate that we honor her in the Plaza of Heroines.

Saada Zakoura Farha was born November 2, 1902 in Kansas City, MO, the fourth of ten children born to Latefa Aboussie Zakoura and Michalel A. Zakoura. She not only graduated from high school in Osawatamie, Kansas, she went on to earn a teaching certificate from Emporia Teachers College. After teaching in a small, one-room schoolhouse for a year - a job she cherished - her father made her quit and return home to help in his store.

Mom never lost her enthusiasm for teaching and for the next 75 years, she taught in the "school of life." Her efforts to help others receive an education continue to be felt for generations: she taught her two older sisters to read and write; she helped her mother learn to read the Bible; and she was often called upon to read and explain letters to friends and relatives that couldn't read.

In 1928, mom married our father, Henry S. Farha, an immigrant from Lebanon with only a sixth grade education. Together, they instilled in their three children that no matter how difficult it would be, it was imperative they finish college. The educational score of their offspring was three for three - Hank, Jim and Jeanette all graduated from Wichita State University. During the bulk of our childhood, mom worked at Beech Aircraft until she retired in 1968, the same year our father passed away.

With her witty and compassionate personality, mom's circle of adoration continued to widen as she grew older. Never did her commitment to learning wane. She became the matriarch of her church and was called "Aunt Saada" by everyone including the priests and the bishop. Her steel-trap memory endeared her to all that knew her. When someone inquired as to her well being, she would always answer him or her by name and say "Thank God, I'm doing OK."

She knew at least 200 of the church members by name. She was the leading member, in both age and level of understanding, of her Bible study class. An active contributor, the class came to her house when she could no longer get out to the class. At age 86, she was invited to go with a group of women to a one-week retreat at the Antiochian Village in Pennsylvania. She not only made the trip but quickly became the leader right behind the bishop!

Surely one of mom's finest moments was living to see all six grandchildren graduate from college. Five out of the six earned advanced degrees; including the youngest who earned a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering. If you ask any of the grandchildren about their memories of "Sittie Saada," one common thread would be her zest for life, her unwavering support for education, and the example she set as an accomplished, educated woman. It wasn't mom's style to be heavy-handed or demanding. Instead, she encouraged her children and grandchildren by setting the standard--she was well spoken, well read and compassionate about learning.

Mom truly proved that it is important to exercise one's mind as well as the body. She was blessed with a keen mind that stayed with her until her death, December 21, 199J4 at the age of 92. This is only fitting for a woman of grace, courage and faith. We thank God for this opportunity to memorialize our mother, who as our "first teacher" taught us the importance of education and, above all, taught us to thank God for everything.

Submitted by Henry S. Farha, Jr. WSU'51, Jimmie L. Farha, WSU'54 and Jeanette M. Farha Bayouth, WSU'55

September 4, 1998