Kathryn Gene "Sitti" Salem, 91, of Point Pleasant, died Saturday, February 27, 2010, at the Pleasant Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, after a long battle with cancer. Born April 17, 1918, in Bolivar, PA, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Cora (McDowell) Hampton. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Faye Hampton and brother, Roger Hampton.

Gene grew up in Irvona, PA, where she met and married her husband, Sam R. Salem, who also preceded her in death. After moving to Point Pleasant, she and Sam owned and operated Salem's Market, until Sam's death. Gene, at 51 years of age, continued her education and received her degree in Social Science. She became the Executive Director of the Mason County Community Action Group, which employed 93 people from Mason County. The group honored her at her retirement by giving the Point Pleasant Senior Building the name, GENE SALEM SENIOR CENTER.

Gene is survived by her son, Nick; her shopping buddy and daughter-in-law, June; grandson, Nik (Doris) Salem, of Suffolk, VA; granddaughter, Traci (Bill) Stewart, of Oakdale, CA; four great-grandchildren, Scott Wegner, Frostt Salem, William Stewart and Hannah Stewart; sister-in-law, Natija Salem; childhood friend and cousin, Joanne Zahler, of IN; and several nieces and nephews.

In complying with Gene's wishes, there will be no visitation and burial will be held at the convenience of her family. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.

Gene's care has been entrusted to Crow-Hussell Funeral Home. An online guest registry is available at www.crowhussellfh.com.