Agnes Salandra Merello

Agnes Merello passed away on February 18, 2022. She was 96 years old. The visitation and funeral Mass are on Friday, March 4, at 9:30 am, at St Mary of the Pines Catholic Church, 1050 Bert Kouns Ind. Loop, Shreveport, LA 71118. Rev. Raney Johnson will officiate. Interment is at the NW Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clark Rd, Keithville, LA 71047. Agnes was born in Niles, Ohio on December 20, 1925. Her parents were Joseph Salandra and Annette (Cantasano} Salandra, who immigrated to the US from Tursi, Italy. Her brother, Dominic Salandra, and sisters, Marie and Helen Salandra, preceded her in death. Agnes married Joe B Merello on August 26, 1947. Their life was blessed with 69 years of marriage until the passing of Joe on October 22, 2016. Agnes is survived by her two sons, Joe A and Joyce (Ford} Merello, Keithville, LA, David and Devri {Schroer) Merello, Lees Summit, MO, and eight grandchildren, Patricia and Russell Newbanks, Quincy, IL, Tony and Terri (Stephens) Merello, Keithville, LA, Peter and Lisa (Godlewski) Merello, Las Vegas, NV, Jennifer and Randy Hiller, Big Sandy, TX, John and Michelle (Long} Merello, Keatchie, LA, Ben and Amy (Pawlowicz) Merello, Denver, CO, Andrea Merello, Chicago, IL, Adam Merello, Jefferson City, MO, and 17 great grandchildren. Agnes and Joe were both music majors at the St Louis Institute of Music & Washington University. They described meeting for the first time as \"love at first sight.\" Their first home was on the second floor of a commercial building in Overland, MO, and their music studio business was on the first floor. My brother and I remember hearing the music students practicing below as we were falling asleep at night. We moved to Hazelwood, MO in 1957. Agnes taught kindergarten in the Ferguson/Florissant district for 25 years. In addition, she played keyboards in her band on the weekends, mostly for wedding receptions. Agnes and Joe retired in 1981, and moved to Shreveport, LA. They enjoyed living down the street from Joe\'s family and the warmer climate. She continued to perform as a solo act or duet with Joe. Agnes also played piano & organ for Church services. She was active in several organizations, including T.O.P.S., where she was the song and exercise leader, Fun Bunch Bowlers, and the St. Dymphna Circle, a service org. After Joe passed away, Agnes moved to the Garden Park Nursing Home. She enjoyed the companionship of the residents, and participated in the activities. Bean bag baseball was her favorite. Agnes routinely played the grand piano in the dining room, and entertained the staff, residents, and guests. She enjoyed accompanying on the piano the local Loyola HS choir when they came to sing for the residents. Mom shared with us that she had a wonderful life, and a loving husband and family. Mom said the rosary daily, and trusts in the Lord for her eternal life. We love you and miss you, Mom! Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Catholic Charities.