Obituary: Olivia Seferina Salerno, 102, The Dalles
Olivia Seferina Salerno
Olivia Seferina Salerno, 102, passed away on July 9, 2025, in The Dalles, Oregon. She was born in Michoacan, Mexico on August 26, 1922, to Cirilo and Emerenciana Soria.
At a young age, she moved to Portland with her parents and siblings. Olivia attended Sacred Heart Grade School then graduated from Immaculata Academy.
At the close of WWII, Olivia married Dario “Dar” Romeo Salerno on August 17, 1946, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. While in Portland, they welcomed a daughter, Darlene, and sons Frank and James. In 1951, Olivia received a Certificate of Naturalization. The family moved to Eugene, Oregon in 1952, then returned to Portland in 1959.
Olivia (aka Lee) was employed by North Pacific Lumber Co., Fabric House, and U. S. Bank in Portland. Following her retirement from the bank, Olivia and Dario moved to Keizer, Oregon in 1996. During their marriage, Lee and Dar traveled to Canada, Mexico, Australia, Tasmania, and Hawaii. In 2011, Olivia, along with Darlene and Bill, ventured through Spain on a pilgrimage to Lourdes in France.
Lee had many hobbies and interests throughout her lifetime that included cross-stitch sewing, bowling, gardening, cooking, painting ceramics, puzzles, and watching countless episodes of Perry Mason. She delighted in spending time with her family and numerous friends. Olivia loved cats and dogs, beautiful flowers, the Oregon coast, and family celebrations. She was a very loving, kind, patient person who led a devout prayer life.
Olivia is survived by her daughter Darlene Marick (Bill), son Frank, grandsons Stephen (Justice), Thomas, Anthony, great-grandson Aiden (Shylo), great-great-granddaughter Avalan Rain, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dario in 2010 and son James in 2005, in addition to her siblings.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 24, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in southeast Portland. Prior to Mass, recitation of the rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Committal services and interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
