Amal Altoma

Amal Altoma, a beloved wife and mother, passed away on August 31, 2025, in Bloomington, Indiana, at the age of 88. Amal Altoma's life was marked by her selfless dedication to her family, friends, and community. Amal was born on December 13, 1936, in Kirkuk, Iraq. She met her soulmate and husband of more than sixty-six years, Salih J. Altoma, while attending college in Baghdad. They married in 1959. In 1960, with a new baby girl in her arms, Amal moved with her beloved husband to Washington, DC, where Salih Altoma served as a Cultural Attaché at the Iraqi Embassy. Later the Altomas moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Salih taught at Harvard. In 1964, they moved to Bloomington, Indiana – with a second baby girl in Amal's arms. Bloomington was home and cherished for decades. Amal was a writer and poet in the Arabic language, and she received her B.A. in Arabic and literature at the University of Baghdad in 1958. In 1972 Amal received a Master of Library Science at Indiana University, and shortly thereafter, she started her dream job working at Monroe County Public Library. At the MCPL, Amal contributed over decades in many leadership positions, both in supervising and heading up some of the operations of the library, as well as in serving in numerous associations and community organizations. From the time she moved to Bloomington, Amal discovered the opportunity to tirelessly work to make life better for those around her and to fulfill her librarian mission to promote the joy of reading and exploring information. Amal would encourage everyone to volunteer to help others, in big ways and small. She always felt it was one of the greatest privileges of life, to be able to serve – as a librarian, teacher, volunteer, friend and member of the community. Amal lived by a simple motto – do good for others and make the community a better place for all. Her list of volunteering is long, including Area 10 Agency on Aging, Older American Center, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Red Cross’s Book Sales, Salvation Army, United Way, Volunteer in Tutoring Adult Learners, Altrusa International, Meals on Wheels, Jill’s House, and Bloomington Animal Care & Control. Much of Amal’s volunteer work involved reading and books, sewing, and education and support for children as well as elderly or homebound. Upon retiring from the public library, Amal did not slow down – she got busier than ever and was happy to have more time for volunteer work. Upon winning a volunteering hero award, Amal said, “They call me a hero, but I am not. Just do what makes me feel good…a selfish addiction.” She received numerous awards in recognition of her service to the community. Amal made friends wherever she went, and she was blessed to have friendships that lasted decades as well as new ones popping up like flowers every year. She and her husband opened their home and hearts to many young families who were newcomers to town and who could use care, home cooked meals, extra babysitting, and guidance around Bloomington. One friend recently wrote about Amal, “She is a wonderful human being. We have not seen anything from her except for love and kindness.” Another friend said, “Amal is the most dedicated and giving person we had the privilege of knowing and were proud to be favorite friends of her.” Amal is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Salih J. Altoma; her cherished daughters, Tiba Walter and Reef Altoma Larsson, and her beloved son-in-law, Tony Larsson. The funeral has already taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to one of the following in Amal’s memory: Bloomington Meals on Wheels, Friends of the Monroe County Public Library, and the Islamic Center of Bloomington.

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Amal Altoma

December 13, 1936 - August 31, 2025