Mary Loretta Salvaterra

Mary Lepo Salvaterra, an impressively aged 104 years old, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 21, 2023. Mary was born on August 26, 1919 in Dilles Bottom, Ohio, the youngest daughter of Charles and Margaret, and baby sister to Millie, Rose, and Walter. Mary was always outgoing and athletic … as a child, she was constantly in overalls, playing baseball with neighbors, climbing trees and playing in the creek. As an adult, her favorite sports were golf and bowling, as well as trucking along on her exercise bike (she often joked about which town she was riding to that day). Mary was the consummate social butterfly – a cheerleader and homecoming queen in high school, and always the perfect hostess for family and holiday meals.

Mary met star quarterback Arnold Salvaterra in high school, and they remained sweethearts after graduation. After high school, Mary lived and worked in Wheeling, West Virginia, where she also obtained a business degree. She corresponded with Arnold while he was away at college and later serving in the U.S. Naval Air Corps during World War II. When he returned home, they married in 1946, and moved to Columbus, Ohio, where they lived happily together for 68 years. Mary worked for Battelle in payroll, and later for Youthland. She was always active in her community, through serving in the PTA at her daughter’s school, helping with Brownies and Girl Scouts, and later through membership at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church.

Mary will be remembered as a beautiful, feisty, ornery woman who loved her family above all. She was famous in the family for her “grandma chicken” and amazing apple pies; preparing meals for her family brought her great joy. She was always ready with a story, eager to chat with friends and family, to lend an ear to strip away issues to get to the root of a problem, or to share advice. Those fortunate enough to know her will miss her cheery voice, whether singing or chatting.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sisters and brother, and her soul mate and husband, Arnold. She is survived by her daughter Toni, and son-in-law, Dennis Bahnsen; granddaughter Kim (Brent) Showalter and great-grandson Will, and granddaughter Christie (Gary) Toth, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Story Point as well as Kindred Hospice for the loving care, comfort, and support they gave to Mary and her family during her stay and last days; we could not have found more compassionate people or more loving care.

Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Dublin. A graveside service will be held in the chapel at Resurrection Cemetery 9571 High St, Lewis Center, Ohio on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at 1379 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215.