As the root admin I assigned an individual to handle the "in memory" section.I checked grant admin access,edit site pages, manage class mates,and edit/delete in memory and profile comments. When she attempts to add a classmate to the in memory site, the system tells her that I have to approve the action and sends an e-mail to me. Is there a work around for this?

I have a feeling she's going to your public In Memory page and then filling out your In Memory contact form (which is intended for non Admins to notify an admin that they know about a Classmate being deceased). Doin this is not how you edit the In Memory section. Instead, she needs to do this:

1) Click Edit Site Pages
2) Click the Edit button next to In Memory