Obituaries : June Marie Salerno

June Marie Salerno, "Junebug", born June 4, 1931, went to be with our Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 11, 2024. VanSteenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is caring for June and her family.

June was born, raised and lived most of her life in Upstate New York. June worked for 26 years for the state of New York at the Wilton Developmental Center. She loved her residents and staff and they certainly loved her. In 1985, June received an amazing "Employee of the Year" award for the state of New York. June was also known for opening up some of the first group homes for the mentally handicapped in several counties, prior to her retirement from the state. In October of 2009, June moved to Vinton, Iowa to be with her daughter and become part of this wonderful community that she was drawn to.

June was a longtime resident of the Lutheran Home Assisted Living of Vinton where many would remember her sitting outside greeting all that entered and exited the building. "Have a good day", "Thank you for coming" and "Nice to see you honey" could always be heard. June also could be seen taking tips for the Lutheran Home Drive-Thru Fundraiser, always smiling and thanking all for their donation and support.

June was blessed with four children: Colleen Karrick (John Karrick) of Vinton, Iowa, Laurie Baker (George Baker) of Vinton, Iowa, Mary Sue Wadsley of Gloversville, New York and Steve Gray (Diane Demetriou) of Lake Luzerne, New York. She also was blessed with five grandchildren: Fawn Way (Steven), Tyler Karrick (Jodi Bearbower), Corey Cambage (Rebecca Desjardins), Kaitlin Jablonski (James) and Ryan Cambage, (Kristen Lambe); two great-grandchildren: Jaden Karrick and Juniper Jablonski, with one on the way.

She is preceded in death by her husbands, parents and siblings.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Vinton located at 601 1st Avenue, Vinton, Iowa. A graveside burial will take place on October 27, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the Southside Cemetery in South Glens Falls, New York.

The family would like to thank Vinton Lutheran Home Communities for all their love and care over the years, LaGrange Pharmacy for always going above and beyond for their customers and Moments Hospice Care of Hiawatha, Iowa, for the compassionate care you gave to our mother.