Iris Salter, more commonly known by most as "grandma", was born November 17, 1934. She passed away January 26th, 2015, at the age of 80. She died peacefully while with her son, Kevin, and her long time caregiver, Matea. Iris will join her husband of 55 years, William (Bill) Salter ,Jr. who passed away just 4 years ago. She is survived by her three children, Debbie Jackson, Kevin Salter, and Beth Miller. She was also blessed with 7 Grandchildren Danny (Kristen) Jackson, Jenny Jackson, David (Claire) Jackson, Andrew Miller, Joey Miller, Jade(Mike) Wildermuth, and Samantha Salter, and one great-grandchild William Jackson.

Iris was born in Brooklyn, NY, the oldest of three children of Philip and Fay Schachter. She shared a close bond with her sister Joyce who was born 7 years later. The family moved to California in the mid 40's where she attended Fremont High. When she was 18 years old, her mother gave birth to her youngest sister, Susan. Because of the large age difference, Iris always had a mothering love and affection for Susan. A few years after she graduated high school, she met her future husband Bill at a Navy dance while he was stationed at Point Mugu Naval station. They were married January 14th, 1956, and moved to Washington DC where Bill attended Georgetown University. She worked multiple jobs to support the family while Bill attended college. Debbie was born in October 1956. Kevin was born in January 1959. In the summer of 1959 they moved to San Mateo, CA, when Bill accepted a position with Bank of America. This is where they met their lifelong friends Hal and Donna Davis, whom she was still in contact with up until her passing. In February, 1961, Beth, their youngest child, was born.

While her husband focused on his career, she worked part-time jobs and raised the children. In 1966, the family moved to Hong Kong and enjoyed great adventures throughout Asia. Shortly after returning to the United States in 1970 the family moved to St Louis, Missouri. She did a remarkable job raising three successful children. As her children became self-sufficient and started moving out to start their own careers, she too began a new career as a real estate agent. She quickly became one of the most successful real estate agents in the St Louis area.

As successful as she was in real estate, her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren. She had a pronounced influence on all of them. When they were younger, they viewed her as an authority of everything and the commander and chief of the extended family. Having witnessed his grandmother dispensing medical advice and instruction to the family, Danny (who is now a doctor himself), proclaimed "my grandma is almost a doctor" when he was just a toddler. Then there was the time when her youngest grandchild, Samantha called her from CA when she was 5 years old letting her know that her son was being mean to her (he was disciplining her) and would she tell him to stop it. She had a special tender touch with her grandchildren. She knew how to be tough and loving at the same time. They were her life. Three years ago, she received her greatest joy in life; Danny and Kristen gave her a great-grandson, William Jackson.

Iris was never one to back down and could hold her own with anyone. As kind and gentle as she could be with her grandchildren, she could be tough as nails with anyone else if they crossed her, including her husband, Bill. "Damn it to hell, Bill" was a common phrase heard around the house, especially after Bill retired and somehow got the notion he had a say in how the house was run.

About 6 years ago, she was diagnosed with Cortical Basal Ganglionic Degeneration (CBGD) disease. They suspected she had it for several years. She fought the disease hard and tried not to let it stop her from enjoying life. About four years ago her condition began requiring full-time care at home. Matea began taking care of her about four years ago on the weekends and switched to weekdays about 2 ½ years ago when Ludis came on board. Thanks to their wonderful care, Iris was able to enjoy life despite her disease. When she left this world, she did it peacefully and when she was ready to go.

Please join us for a celebration of Iris's life at her condo (2403 Via Mariposa West #3H, Laguna Woods) immediately following the funeral at about 2:30pm, Feb 5th. In lieu of flowers please give to the

American Dystonia Society: http://www.dystonia.us/custom.htm

You may also donate by sending a check to:

American Dystonia Society

17 Suffolk Lane

Princeton Jct NJ 08550-1217

or your favorite charity in memory of Iris Salter.