Obituary of Karen F. Salerno

On October 26, 2015, surrounded by her family, Karen’s long battle with Cystic Fibrosis, peacefully ended. Karen married Jim Salerno on October 3, 1998. He was the love of her life, her rock, her constant and unwavering support. Together they built a life full of love. Karen’s puppies, Tino and Toni were her constant companions. They were her babies and they gave her as much love as she gave to them. Karen’s love of family was evident in all she did and she lived her life showing that love constantly. Her 18 nieces and nephews were more like her own children. Her pride in them was that of a doting mother. She basked in their accomplishments and their milestones in life. Framed photos of them lovingly displayed everywhere in her home was proof of that. And they loved her back unconditionally. She was the favorite aunt, the one that was silly and sweet and made them laugh. They could do no wrong in Karen’s eyes. For such a tiny woman, her personality, spirit and determination were that of a giant. The courage and bravery by which she lived, vowing to not let CF run her life, is something that most of us can only hope to know in our own lives. Karen’s family, sisters Rosemary and Carol-Ann, brother Michael, sisters-in-law Carrie and Lynda, brothers-in-law Harold, Alan and George and mother and father-in law Louise and Jim and all her beloved nieces and nephews have lost a shining light. The light in all of our lives is now just a bit dimmer but we are certainly all the more better off for having her love us. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to Cystic Fibrosis Research Fund c/o Dr. Allen Dozor, MD NY Medical College 40 Sunshine Cottage Road Valhalla, NY 10595