Connie

Salemme

SALEMME, Connie, age 89, died February 23, 2015 at home with her family. Connie was born May 16, 1925, the daughter of Louis and Ella Russo. Connie was a lifetime resident of Fairview, attending Fairview Elementary School and Emerson High School, where she graduated as valedictorian. She graduated from Katherine Gibbs School and pursued a career in New York City until beginning her family. In 1948, Connie married Ralph Salemme. They raised their family in Fairview, while actively participating in their community, Connie at Our Lady of Grace Church and Ralph at the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department. Connie was intimately involved in the Church as a rectory secretary, church organist, member of the Rosary Altar Society, and volunteer for many church activities; she was also a Cub Scout leader. After a battle with breast cancer at age 39, Connie returned to the work force and eventually established a career as the Fairview Assistant Borough Clerk; she retired after 25 years. Connie was an avid reader and supported this in her community as a member of the Fairview Library Board of Trustees. Those who knew Connie also knew that her family was at the center of her life. She was a gracious hostess for many gatherings of family and friends. She expressed her love for others through her cooking, baking, and knitting projects. Connie is survived by Ralph, her husband of 66 years, and her two children and their families, Lenore Sopher and husband, Myron and Joe Salemme and wife, Karen; four grandchildren, Matt and Lauren Sopher, Christopher Salemme, and Elisabeth Walker and husband, Mark; and one great grandchild, Henry Walker. Connie is survived by her sister, Lenora Schettino, as well as many nieces and nephews and their families. She is predeceased by her sister, Rita Russo and brother, Carlo Russo. Family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 from 2-4 & 7-9pm. at the A.K. Macagna Funeral Home, 495 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park. We will celebrate her life with a 9:30am. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at Our Lady of Grace R.C. Church, Fairview, followed by her burial at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Connie's memory to Fairview Public Library, 213 Anderson Avenue, Fairview, NJ 07022.