Joan Salter, 85 passed away unexpectedly at her home in Salem on March 7, 2023. Born July 18, 1937, Joan was raised and lived in Salem, OR her entire life.
She was the only child of Author and Mary Harrison and graduated with honors from North Salem High School in 1955. She followed in her mother’s footsteps who was a principle at Hazel Green Elementary School. In pursuit of her career in education, Joan attended the Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon State) where she received a Bachelor of Education.
Joan began her teaching career as Ms. Harrison at Richmond Elementary School in 1959. She married her high school sweetheart in 1961 and became Mrs. WJ Wilson.
In 1963 Joan was blessed with her first child, a boy, Marc. In 1965 she welcomed her second child, another boy, Michael. Despite the pressures of raising two young children, Joan continued to advance her career, and in 1969 transitioned from Richmond to Hoover Elementary School. In 1971 Joan welcomed her third and final child, a girl, Melinda. She was a loving mother who was dedicated to her children and considered being a mother her greatest success.
Joan earned the respect and admiration of her fellow educators over her distinguished 34-year career. While at the Salem/Keizer School District she influenced thousands of students inspiring many children to achieve their dreams.
She discovered her true passion in floral design through participation in multiple local clubs after her 25-year marriage ended. Anyone who knew Joan knew about her green thumb. She was an avid gardener who was happiest working in her yard and tending to the beautiful flowers many of which she started from seeds or cuttings in her greenhouse. Joan was also well known for her dahlia and rose gardens.
In 2009 Joan met the love of her life, Clarence Salter and shortly after, they were married on the Willamette Queen Sternwheeler in Salem. Together, they were like giddy teenagers and the best of friends who were very much in love. They enjoyed camping, dining out, talking about their future, and sharing stories of the past. Their loving and loyal companionship brought them great joy during their final years of life together.
Her giggle and smile and unwavering determination to see any obstacle through will be greatly missed. She will be best remembered for her love of nurturing growth whether that be children and people, or flowers and plants.
Joan is survived by her sons Marc Wilson and Michael Wilson, and daughter Melinda Wilson; grandsons Tony Wilson, Austin Wilson, Kadin Wilson, and Harrison Wilson; granddaughter Madison Wilson; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Clarence Salter, mother Mary Harrison and her father Arthur Harrison.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Restlawn Memorial Garden & Funeral Home on Friday, April 7th at 1 PM. Family, friends, and all who knew Joan are welcome to attend. To send flowers or make a donation in her memory, please contact Restlawn directly.
Restlawn Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home - (503) 585-1373 - 201 S Oak Grove Rd NW, Salem, OR 97304