Theda Alene Lewis Salerno

theda salerno

April 20, 1936 ~ August 1, 2018


Resided in: Pueblo, Colorado

Theda Alene Lewis Salerno Passed away August 1st 2018 at the age of 82 after a long battle with breast cancer. Theda was born to Matilda and Allen Lewis in Shippenville, PA on April 20th 1936. She was the middle sister of three girls, with Mary five years older and Joyce five years younger. As a young girl, Theda helped in her parents rural general store where she said all the men would gather in the evenings to exchange news. As a high schooler, she was a cheerleader, played the Hawaiian guitar and piano, and studied hard so she could go to college to become a teacher. She completed her degree in elementary education from the Clarion State Teachers College in 1958 and quickly found a position in Warren PA teaching first graders. There she met her future husband, Charles. They continued their courtship in Chicago as they both sought their graduate degrees which she received from Northwestern University in elementary education. Theda and Charles were married in Detroit in 1964. The next two years they 'honeymooned' in Korea where Theda taught in the International Missionary School while Charles served as a U.S. Army doctor. In 1971, after a time in both Tacoma and Detroit, Theda and Charles moved their young family to Pueblo, Colorado where Charles was a founding physician of the Southern Colorado Clinic. Theda quickly adapted to her new home near the Rocky Mountains, which as a young girl she dreamed to see. She loved the mountain views, sunshine, bright blue skies and spectacular summer sunsets. Even though she paused her full-time teaching career to raise her two children, she still made time to be an active volunteer and an integral member of the Pueblo community. She volunteered many hours in her children's schools, and was a long time Girl Scout Troop Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother. She also gave many hours to the Medical Auxiliary Committee where she helped to organize and conduct the eye exams given to all the students at the schools (remember that 3-D fly), and was greatly involved in the Pueblo Civic Ballet Company where she organized fundraising and was the writer of the grant that saved the original Central Grade School Building placing it on the National Historic Register of Buildings and allowing it to become the home for the ballet company. ‘For Outstanding Work for the Benefit of Our Community', Theda received the November 1991 Sunshine Award from the City of Pueblo. Teaching, though, was Theda's passion and after her children were grown, she returned her focus to teaching. She was a substitute teacher for a short time and then taught for a while at John Neumann Catholic school but enjoyed tutoring out of her home most where she enriched the lives of many children who benefited from her kindness and true commitment to learning. She taught for many happy years and continued to enhance the education of kids until soon before her passing. Theda is survived by her daughter, Michelle, (Joel Ziegler), and grandsons, Henry and Rowan, of Philadelphia, PA, her son, Christopher (Ericka) of Littleton, CO, and her sister Joyce of Charlotte, NC, as well as several nieces and nephews. Theda loved her family and friends and they loved her. She will be greatly missed. A memorial service and luncheon will be held on Friday, August 10th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Montgomery & Steward Funeral Home in Pueblo CO. She will remain among her beloved mountains. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com

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  1. I met Mrs. Salerno when Chris and I were in the 1st grade. A group from our class met with Mrs. Salerno, in what my memory says, was a tucked away, intimate space in the school library, all of us seated on the carpet. She volunteered her time to use what were learning about reading and take it into the realm where curiosity & critical thinking exist. Mrs. Salerno’s energy was nearly incomprehensible, even to a 7yr old, but I felt it to be shared by Mrs. Salerno. Add the energy to her tailored apparel, matching shoes with a 1-2″ heel, sunglasses, perfect hair and for my 7yr old self that made Mrs. Salerno quite fascinating, beyond what I knew. Chris, I have such good memories of your mom. I’m sorry you and your family are without her.

  2. The funeral notice was a wonderful reminder of all the good things Theda did. I knew her from medical auxiliary when I first came to Pueblo. I remember my family joining your family for a homemade spaghetti dinner. It was so delicious I had three helpings! Over the years I would have nice visits with Theda in the grocery store. She was especially kind to my younger son, Bear, who was her handy helper occasionally. I am so sorry for your loss, Michelle and Chris. My condolences to you and your families. This has been a difficult year for all of you.

  3. The funeral notice was a wonderful reminder of all the good things Theda did. I knew her from medical auxiliary when I first came to Pueblo. I remember my family joining your family for a homemade spaghetti dinner. It was so delicious I had three helpings! Over the years I would have nice visits with Theda in the grocery store. She was especially kind to my younger son, Bear, who was her handy helper occasionally. I am so sorry for your loss, Michelle and Chris. My condolences to you and your families. This has been a difficult year for all of you.

  4. The funeral notice was a wonderful reminder of all the good things Theda did. I knew her from medical auxiliary when I first came to Pueblo. I remember my family joining your family for a homemade spaghetti dinner. It was so delicious I had three helpings! Over the years I would have nice visits with Theda in the grocery store. She was especially kind to my younger son, Bear, who was her handy helper occasionally. I am so sorry for your loss, Michelle and Chris. My condolences to you and your families. This has been a difficult year for all of you.

  5. The funeral notice was a wonderful reminder of all the good things Theda did. I knew her from medical auxiliary when I first came to Pueblo. I remember my family joining your family for a homemade spaghetti dinner. It was so delicious I had three helpings! Over the years I would have nice visits with Theda in the grocery store. She was especially kind to my younger son, Bear, who was her handy helper occasionally. I am so sorry for your loss, Michelle and Chris. My condolences to you and your families. This has been a difficult year for all of you.

  6. The funeral notice was a wonderful reminder of all the good things Theda did. I knew her from medical auxiliary when I first came to Pueblo. I remember my family joining your family for a homemade spaghetti dinner. It was so delicious I had three helpings! Over the years I would have nice visits with Theda in the grocery store. She was especially kind to my younger son, Bear, who was her handy helper occasionally. I am so sorry for your loss, Michelle and Chris. My condolences to you and your families. This has been a difficult year for all of you.

  7. The funeral notice was a wonderful reminder of all the good things Theda did. I knew her from medical auxiliary when I first came to Pueblo. I remember my family joining your family for a homemade spaghetti dinner. It was so delicious I had three helpings! Over the years I would have nice visits with Theda in the grocery store. She was especially kind to my younger son, Bear, who was her handy helper occasionally. I am so sorry for your loss, Michelle and Chris. My condolences to you and your families. This has been a difficult year for all of you.

  8. The funeral notice was a wonderful reminder of all the good things Theda did. I knew her from medical auxiliary when I first came to Pueblo. I remember my family joining your family for a homemade spaghetti dinner. It was so delicious I had three helpings! Over the years I would have nice visits with Theda in the grocery store. She was especially kind to my younger son, Bear, who was her handy helper occasionally. I am so sorry for your loss, Michelle and Chris. My condolences to you and your families. This has been a difficult year for all of you.

  9. Michelle, Joel and boys, and Chris: You are in my prayers in this difficult time. Your Mother was a kind, caring person and was very good to me when I joined the family. She will be missed by all. The family has my deepest sympathy.

  10. There are no words to express our sorrow at the passing of your mother. There are very few times in our lives that we meet a person who brings such significance to the lives of others. That is who she was. For Creede she is a part of the person he is becoming and we will never forget the endless hours patience and love she had for him. Her beautiful soul will live on in all of the lives that she so graciously touched. Prayers to your family in this difficult time. The Guardamondo Family

  11. Michelle, Chris and family,
    We are so very sorry you lost your mother and your dad not long ago. Our thoughts and hearts are with you and remember them forever.
    Cheng, Margie and family

  12. Aunt Theda was a very special person. A strong loving mother, aunt and teacher. She will be missed. She and Uncle Bud are together again. Their love is eternal. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
    We are so glad we got to spend time with all of you when everyone was here for the wedding. Family is special.

  13. May her memory be eternal. All my interactions with Mrs. Salerno were always so positive. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Salerno family.

  14. So sorry to hear Theda passsed, but I know she is at peace now. I pray for all the family now in the recent passing of both of them. I knew her from First United Methodist Church Pueblo. She was a dear lady.

  15. Your family are all in our prayers. Your Mom was a friend ours at First United Methodist Church. She was such a dear lady. Dini Pooler

  16. Chris and Michelle, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your mom and your dad. This is Traci Haines. We lived across the street from one another on Hilton Lane. My mom worked at the Southern Colorado Clinic as well.

    I remember your parents fondly and send Blessings and Prayers.

  17. So very sorry for your loss. Mrs Salerno, helped us tutor my daughter when she was struggling about 20 yrs ago. We will always remember her kindness and patience she showed my daughter. We were blessed with getting to know her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  18. Dear Chris and Michelle,

    I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was such a wonderful lady.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you both and Your family.

    Love

    Kathy Concialdi-Lawrence


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