Elaine Jiries Rumman, affectionately known as Um Maher, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on December 11, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jiries S. Rumman with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. She was born in Beit Jala, Palestine, where she grew up with a deep sense of compassion and love for her community. Her life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and kindness.
Elaine loved life and was an extraordinary woman, finding new goals at every stage of life. She went back to school at the age of 40, starting at Washtenaw Community College. She went on to receive her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in social work from the University of Michigan. She began her career as a social worker for the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) and finished her career as a social worker in Ann Arbor Public Schools. Elaine's work in her community never ceased. She created the Proud Parent Network and personally produced over one hundred and fifty television episodes on the subject of strengthening families and improving people's lives which aired on Ann Arbor Public Access Television, Parent Network. She was well known and well loved in her community.

Elaine had an unyielding passion for supporting Palestine and advocated for peace and justice among all people in the Middle East. She instilled strong principles and beliefs in her six children Maha Saca (Nader), Muna Salloum (Issa), Hala Araj (Samir), Maher George Rumman (Jodi), Muin Rumman (Basima), Michael Majdi Rumman (Hollie), her 16 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, surrounding them with love and guidance.

At the age of 93 Elaine fulfilled one of her lifelong dreams by writing her book, The Tapestry of My Life's Journey, a beautiful reflection of her remarkable life. She cherished family gatherings and found joy in bringing happiness to others with her endless kindness and positive spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to HEAL Palestine.