Obituary of Helen E. Salerno

Helen E. Salerno, 84, of Morris Plains, NJ passed away peacefully on December 25, 2023, as her loving family gathered together Christmas night.

Born and raised in Scranton, PA, Helen met the love of her life, Donald Salerno, during her high school years. After graduating nursing school, Helen and Donald had four sons, and soon moved to Morris Plains, NJ where they became lifelong residents.

Helen was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest joy was sitting beside her husband, watching her grandchildren play in the pool during the summertime, and gathering together for family dinners and holidays. Helen and Don enjoyed traveling the world together, and spending their summers in Lavallette, NJ reading novels on the beach.

Kind, compassionate, and gentle, Helen touched the lives of many throughout her years serving as a Nurse at Morristown Memorial Hospital. Helen played a pivotal role in a program at Morristown Memorial Hospital where she educated pediatric patients and families on pre-operative procedures.

Helen’s faith as a devoted Catholic was unwavering. She served as a volunteer Eucharistic Minister at St. Virgil’s Parish in Morris Plains, NJ, and at Morristown Medical Center following her retirement.

Helen is predeceased by her parents and brother, James Powell. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Donald Salerno, and devoted children, David Salerno and wife Theresa; Michael Salerno and wife Sharon; Matthew Salerno and wife Maria; and Mark Salerno. Helen is also survived by her ten beautiful grandchildren: David Jr. (DJ) and wife Melissa, Amanda, Emily, Thomas, Julia, Olivia, Ava, Nicholas, Sofia, and Carmen, plus great granddaughter Camila.

Helen will be missed and cherished by many relatives, friends, and neighbors.

A viewing will be held on Friday, December 29, from 4-7 p.m. at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Avenue in Morris Plains, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 30 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Virgil’s Parish, 250 Speedwell Avenue in Morris Plains, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name, Helen E. Salerno, to St. Virgil’s Parish, 250 Speedwell Avenue in Morris Plains, NJ.