Nicolina A. “Nicky” Salemi

NICOLINA A. “NICKY” SALEMI (nee Marino) age 90, beloved wife of the late Joseph; loving mother of Michael L. (wife Patricia E.) and Karen N. Salemi (Lawrence Clark); devoted grandmother of Joseph M., Gina Kilberg (husband Derek), Lawrence, Jr. and great-grandmother of Rylan and Nathan; cherished daughter of the late Nicola and Carmela (nee Lovano) Marino; dearest sister of Lee Russo (husband Dominic, deceased), twin Grace DeGirolamo (husband Lou), Mary Nocifora (husband Carmen, deceased), the late Jerry Marino (wife Alice, deceased), Angie Matteo (husband Nick, deceased), and Rose Marino; dear aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt and friend of many.

Nicky was born on June 5, 1931 in Cleveland, attended John Adams High School, then lived and worked in Cleveland in an office and as an elevator operator. She was introduced to her future husband, Joe, through her sister, Lee’s boyfriend, Don. Her and Joe were married Joe on October 10, 1953. They lived in Virginia Beach and Washington D.C. while he was stationed in the Navy. They returned to Cleveland, where their children, Michael and Karen were born, then moved to Mayfield Heights in 1962. She loved and touched everyone she met, in addition to feeding them and sending them home with food. She spent most of her time as a homemaker, cooking, tending to others and playing Liverpool with her sisters. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, wife, devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She always doted on her kids, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. After Joe passed in 2008, she faced numerous health challenges, but faced all of them with grace and dignity, always trying to reassure us. In 2014, she left her home in Mayfield Heights and moved to Aurora in order have more daily assistance and be closer to Michael and Karen. She loved making new friends, catching up on her soaps, playing Bingo and making sure all the residents knew she loved them. Mom also loved watching the Cavaliers win the championship and Notre Dame and Cleveland Browns football. After a brief illness, Nicky passed away on January 19, 2022. She will be dearly missed, but has left a lasting imprint on everyone’s heart that she touched.

The family would like to thank Anna Maria of Aurora, especially Pat Williams and staff, for their compassionate, loving care of Mom over the years. The family would also like to thank Hospice of the Western Reserve for their care, compassion and support.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, January 28, 2022 at 10:30 AM at ST. FRANCIS of ASSISI CHURCH, 6850 Mayfield Road, Gates Mills, OH 44040. Interment following at All Souls Cemetery. PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Arrangements by THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND.