Born in New Oxford, Pennsylvania to the late John and Ruth Kratzert, Joanne grew up on the family farm. Following graduation from the Penn State University, she moved to Miami, Florida and taught anatomy, physiology, biology and physical education in Florida’s public high schools for over 40 years.
Joanne was married to Charles Salem, Jr. for 54 years, and they celebrated their life together with a devotion to family, their church and friends. Joanne was quick-witted and never backed down, even in the face of adversity. She was a true lady in every sense of the word.
In retirement, Charles and Joanne moved to Riverview, Florida. Believing in the power of education to transform lives, Joanne taught adult literacy and tutored local high school students in Hillsborough County.
She was an avid life-long naturalist receiving the “Friends of the Everglades” award from author Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
A devoted parishioner of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, she co-authored a Bible study primer (published in 2018) with her Holy Innocent’s family; one of her proudest accomplishments.
Joanne is survived by her children: Marjorie Salem Hensel and her husband Seth Hensel (Riverview, Florida)
Janet Salem Jones and her husband Steven Dale Jones ( Nashville, Tennessee)
Charles S. Salem, III and his husband Scott Toland (Anna Maria Island, Florida)
and Michael J. Salem (Miami, Florida).
Joanne also loved and cherished her grandchildren: Jacqueline Graham, Jessica Frenkel, Miles Hensel and Amahlia Hensel.
A memorial service will take place at 10am on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church of Valrico. Service can be viewed online at https://www.facebook.com/Holy-Innocents-Episcopal-Church-148870378905
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Joanne’s memory to: Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, Valrico Florida, or Veterans Helping Veterans (hcveteranshelpingveterans.org)
