Nadean L. Salalila

Almira “Nadean” Salalila, age 76, of Zephyrhills, FL passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at her home and surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was born to the late Paul and Mildred Anderson on September 12, 1942 in Mansfield, MO. She spent the last 30+ years in Lakeland, FL before relocating to Zephyrhills, FL. She is survived by an elder sister, Marietta Lund, and 5 children – Ronnie Salazar, Angelo Salalila along with his wife, Elaine; Jocie (Cricket) Valadez along with her husband, Michael; Mark Salalila along with his partner, Trevor England; and Meliesa Marshall along with her husband, Shawn. Nadean also has 12 grandchildren including Anthony, Justene, Rachel, Austyn, Addyson, Kelsey, Alyssa, Shawn, Isaiah, Malachi, Christian, and Cherayah. Lastly, she has 10 great grandchildren including Mia, AJ, Alex, Novaleigh, Luna Mae, Chessa, Jaycee, Romero, Julian, Maxine, Khamayah, and one more baby girl on the way.

Mom always made sure that she was a part of our everyday lives. From attending band concerts, school events, and every graduation from the four of us to her grandkids. No matter how big or small the event, she made sure that she was there, and in that rare event she had to miss it, she made sure that she apologized for it in spoken word. This woman even sat out in the hot Florida summers for 4-5 hours to watch me play in golf tournaments, and no one likes watching golf! She drove an hour one way every week to see her sister too. So now instead of physically being there, she will never miss anything as her spirit will ALWAYS be there. - Angelo


Momma – I don’t even know what to say. How do you say goodbye to the most influential person in your life and know that I cannot walk into the other room to talk to you or pick up a phone? We’ve had so many ups and downs between us and, Lord knows, I put you through hell at some points. But I like to think that in those times that we did butt heads, it is because I am as stubborn and strong-willed as you are. I don’t think it’s a bad thing, though others may disagree! You were always so strong in the face of adversity and taught us to never give up on what we believe in. Us kids did not always agree, or even get along for that matter, but you always loved us and accepted each one of us not just for our likes, but also our differences. You taught us to embrace who we are in our personalities no matter if other people agreed or not. You dedicated your life to us, and for that, we can never repay you. And in turn, we all have learned that family is the most important gift that God has given us, and we should always embrace that. I know you are in Heaven now with Jesus, and that Grandma and Grandpa are right there with you. As happy as that makes me, my selfish side just wants you back, at least for a little while longer. There are so many things I wanted for you, wanted to give you. You spent so many years taking care of your family, I just wanted to give a little of that back to you. But I know that it was God’s time to come and take his angel home, and I cannot begrudge him that. I just love and miss you so much, Momma. I don’t know how I’m going to go on without you. I know you are always in my heart, but I will miss those arms around me. Those same arms that always lifted us up. You have always been, and will continue to be, The Wind Beneath Our Wings. – Cricket


Mommy, I love you with all my heart. I want you to know that God blessed us with you because he knew you would be able to lead us on a path of an amazing journey. He knew you would teach us strong life lessons, good morals, caring for others, and most of all, LOVE for family. When he gave you life, he made you an angel here on Earth. When he brought you home, he gave you wings to be an angel in heaven to watch over us. I love you with all my heart and will see you one day again. RIP Mommy. – Mark


My mama was a strong, feisty, but loving woman of God. Throughout my childhood and adult years, she taught me so much. As a child, she loved and cared for me in a way I knew when she meant business, but also knew she’d stick up for me even when I was in the wrong. As the baby of the family, I got away with much more than my older siblings, but somehow my mom was able to keep me grounded. As an adult, she reminded me how she knew my marriage was going to last forever, and I know it will. As she lived with us throughout most of our kids’ childhoods, she humbly and quietly gave me advice on various situations that came up. She did this by reminiscing of how me and my siblings were as kids. I look back now and realize what a blessing it was for our boys to have their Grandma in the house with us for so many years. What great memories they will have!

Mama, I have always been your baby girl and always will be. I love you with my entire body and spirit. I know you will watch over all of us until the day we get to see your face and hear your voice again. Although God gave you wings before we were ready, I fully trust in Him and His plans. Good Night! God Bless You! I Love You So Much, Mommy!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nadean L. Salalila, please visit our floral store.