Josephine Annette Salerno

Josephine Annette Salerno, lovingly known as Josie, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 82. Her life was one defined by deep faith, quiet strength, creativity and unwavering love for her family and community.

Josie was born on April 29, 1943, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Sebastiano and Concetta Amenta. She grew up grounded in strong family values with a foundation of faith that guided her throughout her life and shaped the compassionate woman so many came to know and cherish.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sebastiano and Concetta Amenta; her sisters and brother-in-law, Rose and (Ross) Pirruccello and Lucia Bockmann; father and mother-in-law, Anthony and Carolyn Salerno.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Larry Salerno, with whom she shared a life rooted in love and partnership. She leaves behind her children, Dean (Carrie) Janda of Chandler, Arizona, and Mary Jo (Matthew )Turpen of Council Bluffs, Iowa. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Allison (Douglas) Hoke, Madison Turpen, Justin Janda, Jared Janda, and a joyful great-grandmother to Dawson Hoke.

Josie is also survived by her cherished bonus children, Gina and (Michael) Meyer of Omaha, Douglas Salerno of Omaha, and David and (Dawnell) Salerno of Bellevue, Nebraska. Her extended family brought her great pride and joy, including grandchildren Jae Meyer, Noah (Alyssa) Meyer, Sean Salerno, Shannon Salerno, Patrick Salerno, Matthew Salerno, Nathan Salerno, and Samantha Salerno.

Faith was the cornerstone of Josie’s life. She was deeply devoted to Christ and lived according to the teachings of the Holy Bible. Each evening, without fail, she prayed—lifting up her family, her friends, and even those she had never met. Many knew that if prayers were needed, Josie was the one to call. Her faith was not only spoken, but lived daily through her kindness, humility, and compassion.

Josie possessed a remarkable creative spirit. In her younger years, she expressed herself through oil painting and charcoal drawing, talents that reflected her eye for beauty and detail. Her creativity followed her throughout her working life and into her many professions. After graduating from high school, she attended beauty school and began her career as a hairstylist. Over the years, she also worked as a floral designer, a childcare provider, an activities director at a senior center, and ultimately as a paraeducator with Omaha Public Schools, where she touched countless young lives with patience and care.

Above all, Josie was a woman who gave of herself wholeheartedly. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a prayer warrior, and a friend whose presence brought comfort and peace. Her legacy lives on in the lives she nurtured, the faith she shared, and the love she freely gave.

Visitation and vigil services will be held at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home (5701 Center Street, Omaha, NE 68106) on Thursday, January 22 from 4:00-7:00 pm

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (2110 South 32nd Street, Omaha, NE 68105) on Friday, January 23 at 10:30 am.

Interment will be private at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family.