Shirley Ann Salzano

Durham, NC – Shirley Holstad Salzano, age 93, passed away on July 16, 2023 at Transitions Hospice House in Raleigh surrounded by her loving children.

Shirley was the middle child born to the late Albert Martin Holstad and Evelyn Hovden Holstad on October 18, 1929 in Decorah, Iowa.

She grew up on her family’s farm in Ridgeway, Iowa. After graduating from Ridgeway High School, her compassionate nature for all living things led her to earn her Nursing degree from the University of Iowa in Iowa City where she quickly became Head Nurse on the Urology ward at the University of Iowa Hospital. It was here that she met John Salzano, who was earning his PhD in Physiology. They were married on June 11, 1955.

In 1956, John and Shirley moved to Durham, NC when John was offered a teaching and research position in Duke University’s Physiology Department.

Shirley left her nursing career for several years while she raised her three children but re-entered the profession at Duke Hospital in 1967 until she retired in 1987.

Shirley was a long-time member of Immaculate Conception Church in Durham where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, Parish Board Member, President of the Altar Society and volunteer on numerous church and school committees.

She also was a founding member of and long-time volunteer at the Nearly New Shoppe. Additionally she volunteered at Duke’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and Duke Hospital’s Pink Smock.

Upon moving to Croasdaile’s Retirement Village in 2007, she continued her commitment to service as the Chairman of the Health Services Committee and volunteering many hours at the Village Shoppe. Giving back to the community was always a priority in her life.

In addition to her volunteer work, Shirley was an avid bridge player and participated in numerous athletic activities such as tennis, yoga, and water aerobics. Her love for Duke Basketball was epic. As the proud owner of the same seats in Cameron Indoor Stadium for more than 50 years, she rightly could be considered one of the original Cameron Crazies.

Shirley was an extraordinary woman who lived her life devoted to God, family and friends. She never wanted attention for herself but invested her time in helping others. She was modest, intelligent, caring and hardworking and set an example of a life well-lived for all who knew her.

Shirley is pre-deceased by her parents; brothers Stanley and Lyle; her husband, Dr. John Salzano; second husband, Dr. Fred Zechman.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Susan Salzano (Bruce Main), her sons, Michael Salzano (Joni), and Alan Salzano (Tinnie), her grandchildren, John Salzano (Molly), Andrew Salzano (Emily), Evan Salzano (Morgan), Matthew Salzano (Hannah Glaab) and her great grandchildren, Addie Worth Salzano and Noah Duncan Salzano. Also left to treasure her memory – Rick Zechman, Jami Zechman, Nayelli Zechman, and Dylan (Betsy) Zechman.

Shirley’s life will be honored with a Catholic Mass at 11:00 AM Friday, July 21, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 – 6:00 PM Thursday, July 20, 2023 at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (810 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701)

to support the Children’s Summer Bible Camp and the Faith Formation for Children with Special Talents and Needs.

The Salzano family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.