Haraldean Salerno Obituary

Haraldean M. Salerno, 85, affectionately known as Deannie to her dear friends and family, passed away at her Paola, KS home on January 9, 2017. Born in Oklahoma City, OK on December 18, 1931, she was the daughter of the late John and Gertrude Murray, lived in Kansas City, KS and Caracas, Venezuela returning to Kansas to graduate from Wyandotte High School in 1949. Deannie attended the University of Kansas where she earned both her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees by 1956.

As a talented artist, she joined the KU faculty while still a graduate student becoming the art teacher who shared with her students that which she loved most.

As an ardent Patriot, Deannie proudly served for six years in the Women's Army Corps. Responsible for the training of hundreds of women, Deannie lead by example achieving the rank of Captain. Honed in the Women's Army Corps, her business acumen and managerial skills became obvious and appreciated by the professionals with whom she associated. Married in 1965, she left the army to start a family. A devoted mother of two, the family moved to Miami, FL in 1974 where Deannie began working at Barry University. She was appointed Director of Audio Visual Services for almost twenty years and acted as Interim Library Director and Ombudsman to the University as well. A firm believer in the value of learning, Deannie joined many associations which promoted education. Her memberships included the National Association of University Professionals, American Library Association, Broward County Association of Media Specialists, and never once did she mention she was a member of Mensa. In 1994, Deannie returned to Lawrence where she worked for Dobski and Associates until her retirement in 2007. Deannie thoroughly enjoyed working with Tom and Marilyn appreciating how their corporate culture fostered respect, and exuded care and compassion toward all of their employees.

Deannie's retirement years with her grandchildren were filled with laughter, joy and love through many hours of games, family trips, shared meals and celebrations.

Deannie is survived by her daughter, Heather George, son in law, Rob and two loving grandchildren, Andrew John and Charlotte Suzanne, all of Paola, KS, and Pamela Dawn Salerno of Roslindale, MA and cherished family friends Mary Lynn, Peter and Sean McAloon of Parkland, FL.

Visitation: Tuesday, January 17, 2017 from 10:00am – 12:00 noon at Warren McElwain Mortuary, 120 West 13th Street, Lawrence KS with graveside military services immediately following at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary and may be made to the Women's Army Corps' Veterans Association National HQ or the American Heart Association.

Online condolences can be left at warrenmcelwain.com