Denise came into my life as a fellow teacher and we started together at Richard Montgomery in the same room.  I went in and discovered she had a small class during the same period in the same room.  We coped, and as new colleagues offered each other moral support.  She was diagnosed for the second time with breast cancer in the first months I knew her.  She had a tendency to get every rare strange variant, allergic reaction, and she shared that one of the most common phrases she heard was, "I've never seen that before!"  Her cancer and the stresses of first year teaching allowed our friendship to become more intimate and more important faster than it would have otherwise.  
When she turned 50 she had planned to get a convertible, but given that was now out of the budget, Joe, her husband, rented her one for the weekend.  Denise, another teacher, and I went to see the production of a different high school, and enjoyed the breeze in our hair.  She was passionate about the theatre and worked with hundreds of students in a myriad of productions.    
We went to the 2001 Sondheim Celebration at the Kennedy Center and agonized over which shows to see, finally settling on a Mandy Patinkin concert, "Sweeney Todd," "Sunday in the Park with George," and "Passion," her favorite.  Later, she was always ready go to any production, leading to our last theatre outing to see "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" with me from box seats at the Kennedy Center.  
She was also a real estate agent and found me my first home, then sold that one for me and found my current home - having me to stay in her guest room when the movers stopped working in the middle of the night after putting my bedroom on the truck. When my parents separated she found my mom a home that fit my mom's exacting specifications.  
Denise was always was ready to commiserate, support, and empathize. Not just me - but she did plenty of that - but the many students in the first program she worked at at RM, who for a variety of reasons took a course with her in order to work in the afternoon and also graduate; and later the many high needs students who she loved at Seneca Valley.  I know she has helped countless adults facing cancer. 
When I was looking for a new school, she recommended Seneca and put in a good word for me. I literally would not be where I am today, in my home with my current job, without her love and support. I know Denise is with the angels - she is the self deprecating one who crochets, pets the animals, and pulls a comedy face to make you laugh.  I am so glad she got to meet her granddaughters who gave her so much joy, and that she was blessed with family she was so proud of and devoted to, and who are devoted to her.  

Although I did not know Denise as well as some, I very much enjoyed listening to the shared stories she had with Katherine while we played board games each summer. She was a kind soul that was an absolute pleasure to be around. I'll share a few of my personal memories of Denise so others can see the playful side of her that I was so blessed to experience: ericherboso.org/2023/03/denise-saladyga.html

With our deepest sympathies.Jon, Regina, and Audrey

My life was better having know you Denise. A lot of healing took place at your retreats. Praying God grants you eternal rest in His peace.

Many condolence on your loss of Denise  from Tom , Marina and Kira Stead. Tom will always remember the fun times he had with his favorite cousin.

Ronnie, thinking of you brother. Keep your head high, we miss you man. We hope you can find peace during this difficult time. Sending you our love.

Dear Saladyga Family,Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of such an amazing woman. Sending you all prayers for comfort and strength.

Good memories of Denise. For many years at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Denise was a wonderful catechist, who enjoyed sharing her faith with young children preparing for First Communion. We shared catechist ideas and resources about First Communion classes, with each other. One of Denise's suggested resources was the use of the booklet, In My Heart Room, which was a great prayer aid for use in my class. I experienced many beautiful and meaningful SFA women's retreats, organized and led by Denise. She was a compassionate and caring person, and friend, to me and many others. May she rest in peace, and the loving embrace of Our Lord. Marie Yeast

Denis has been a wonderful friend! Ever since I met Denise & Joe at our neighborhood Christmas Party 5 years ago, we’ve shared a close friendship! Now we’re “Framily” (friends who are family)….our chosen family! I’ll always miss you Denise…I’ll miss our chats & I promise David, Ashley & I will always be there for Joe! We love you both & always will! ❤️

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Love you all

To our friend Denise. Rest in Peace. The Postek"s

Memories of childhood and Duck, NC.  Denise loved her family and was devoted to the ones she loved.  She was a creative soul.  With love, Emily Madden Fry and family

I don't remember a time growing up in Hillburn when Denise and our friendship didn't factor significantly in my life. We spent hours playing jacks, roller skating (with our skate keys worn around our necks), mothering our dolls, riding our bikes, ice skating and sledding at the Fountain, and one of our most favorite things (!) - having a picnic at our favorite spot in the woods behind our houses - a large rock we dubbed the "Luncheonette". Since neither of us had a sister, we decided one day to become "blood sisters" so we pricked our fingers on the thorn of a rose bush and held our fingers together to seal the pact. 
I am forever grateful for those years, and knowing Denise - and Rita, Don, and Ronnie.

I met Denise when my daughter joined the Black Maskers at Richard Montgomery HS.  She was devoted to the drama program and to the students who participated in it, and they loved her back.  I particularly recall the year she stepped in to direct while the usual director took leave.  She threw her heart and soul into the production; it was lovely.

OBITUARY

Denise Duvall Saladyga

March 9, 1952 – February 21, 2023

DeVol Funeral Home

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