Vanessa Nicole Salazar-Salazar's Obituary
With profound sadness and immense love, we announce the passing of Vanessa Nicole Salazar-Salazar, who left this world at the age of 35. Vanessa was born on September 27, 1990, and was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, wife, and most importantly, a devoted mother. Her life was defined by love, strength, and an unwavering devotion to her family.
Vanessa graduated from Pueblo South High School in 2009 and went on to graduate from the Denver School of Nursing, where she began her career as a Registered Nurse. Her passion for caring for others led her to become a travel nurse, allowing her and her husband Alan to experience life in different states before eventually choosing to settle in Maui, Hawaii, a place that quickly became home.
While living in Maui, Vanessa worked as a nurse at Kula Hospital and later Maui Memorial Medical Center, where she cared deeply for her patients and colleagues. Her commitment to healthcare and advocacy eventually led her to work for the UNAC/UHCP healthcare union, where she was currently employed. Vanessa was also in the process of completing her Nurse Practitioner degree, with only one clinical remaining before finishing. Her passion and love of life carried into her fight for healthcare workers and the patients they cared for.
Vanessa lived her life spreading aloha in everything she did. She had an incredible ability to light up a room and was often the heart and joy of every gathering. Vanessa was intentional in her relationships and treasured time spent with family and friends.
She loved being at the beach, listening to music, whale watching, hiking, working out, thrift store shopping, and binge-watching true crime documentaries. But above all else, Vanessa treasured the time she spent creating memories with the loves of her life — her husband Alan and their son Amari.
Vanessa was preceded in death by her great-grandparents Jose and Marie Montez, Anthony and Lila Gradisar, and Tony and Flossy Salazar, as well as her cousin Natalie Gradisar.
She is survived by her loving husband Alan Salazar, their cherished son Amari and beloved dog Kobe. She also leaves behind her mother Tracy (John) Pannunzio, her father Angelo (Chris) Salazar, and her sisters Jessica (Joey) Anger, Ammanda (Ryan) Lamas, and Samantha Salazar.
Vanessa was a proud Auntie to her nieces Graelyn, Abriella (Goddaughter) Amillia, and Sydnney (Goddaughter). She is also survived by her grandparents Judie Gradisar and Nicholas (Jan) Gradisar, her godmother MaryJean Gradisar, and her godfather Douglas Gradisar.
She leaves behind her mother-in-law Andrea (Mike) Salazar, her brother-in-law Andrew Salazar, and her grandparents-in-law Jerry and Daisy Salazar.
Vanessa is also survived by her step-siblings, Shazia Rogers, Taylor Mosco, Ravenn Mosco, Coltan Mosco, Stefanie Pannunzio, Jessica Pannunzio, and their families.
Vanessa will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, and the deep love she showed to everyone around her. Though her time here was far too short, the impact she made on the lives of those she touched will last forever.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate Vanessa’s life will be held on Friday, March 20th, 2026, at Fellowship Of The Rockies Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Brent’s Place: 11980 E 16th Ave Aurora, CO, 80010 https://brentsplace.org
Scripture
Lamentations 3:31–33 (NIV)
“For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone”
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