Lenore Elsa Salton Olinger entered this life as Leonore Elsa Gertude Fridel Salzin on May 27, 1933, in a suburb of Berlin, Germany. Her parents, Harry D. Salton and Elsa Salton, dreamed that their family would live in a land free from war and hatred, and that they would have the opportunity to do meaningful and interesting work. In February 1936, the Salton family received sponsorship from an uncle, paving the way for their migration to the United States aboard the S.S. Manhattan, landing in New York. After a brief stint in New York, they settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Lenore cherished her family, including her brother Jim Salton. She became a Naturalized U.S. Citizen at age 12, when she changed her name to Lenore Elsa Salton. Lenore and her family moved to Canonsburg, Pennsylvania in 1947, to the home where she spent much of her life.

Lenore graduated from Canonsburg High School and went on to receive a Bachelors of Arts degree in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh, while raising her three children. Throughout her life she demonstrated a sound work ethic, and worked at McGraw Edison, Peters Township Grade School, Teachers Store, Canonsburg Mission, and as an antique dealer - Lore’s Linens.

Lenore married her prince, George B. Olinger, on October 16, 1954. They had three children – George E. Olinger, Wayne E. Olinger, and Leslie A. Olinger.

Lenore had many talents. She had her camera for all family events, many family members have been gifted photos taken by her that were expertly taken. Lenore had been painting furniture and walls since she was child, she would help others make their houses feel like homes. She was the pit crew for many motocross races for her daughter, Leslie. She was a great storyteller and historian. She enjoyed reading to her children and grandchildren.

Lenore loved the outdoors and appreciated nature. She especially liked taking walks with her father on Saturday mornings when they lived in Pittsburgh. As a child, her family took many summer vacations that were spent enjoying hiking, swimming, and playing in the sand. Lenore loved the water; whether oceans, lakes, or swimming pools. While at the New Jersey shore, her family remembers that Lenore would stand for long periods of time just letting the waves roll over her feet as they sank into the sand. Lenore loved swimming so much she once said she “could have stayed in the pool all day, every day.” She enjoyed her cross country bus trip visiting National Parks, the Muir Woods redwood trees were “awe-inspiring” to her.

Her grandchildren and nieces will remember her driving style, the way she emphasized the “I” in beautiful, her love for the Seal Beach (CA) seal statue, her laugh, and that she was willing to share the world with them and always up for the adventure. They learned a lot about right and wrong from her.

Lenore’s life was shaped from experiencing discrimination due to her German heritage during World War II; she said that it taught her that discrimination was very hurtful, unkind, and not deserved. She once said “Being good meant following the examples set by my parents. Treating my friends, and other people with honesty, kindness, consideration, and respect.” She went on to live her life treating people kindly. Lenore will be remembered as a kind soul full of love for everyone, providing a safe place and made everyone feel welcomed.

Lenore once reminisced, “I had the privilege of a happy marriage, and children and grandchildren who have brought me much joy.”

Lenore Elsa Salton Olinger passed away in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, December 17, 2023; 51 years and one day after the love of her life.

Lenore was preceded in death by her father and mother, Harry D. and Elsa Salton, and her husband, George B. Olinger.

Lenore is survived by her brother James (Jacqueline) Salton, her three children, George E. (Bernadette) Olinger, Wayne E. Olinger, and Leslie A. Olinger, five grandchildren, George A. (Karen) Olinger, Jennifer Olinger, Amanda Olinger, and Emily Olinger, and two nieces, Carolyn Salton and Susan Caron.

Arrangements by BEINHAUER-BOGAN 164 West Pike Street Canonsburg PA 15317, 724-705-4580. A committal service will be held December 27, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. at Oak Spring Cemetery in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Washington Area Humane Society (https://www.washingtonpashelter.org/) or the Washington City Mission (https://www.citymission.org/).