Obituary of Mary F. Santella

Mary F. Santella, 96, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2019 after a short illness. She was born in Philipsburg, PA, daughter of Charles and Catherine Pascale, and spent her childhood and young adult years in Altoona, PA. She married Eugene Santella in 1941, also of Altoona. They were married for 36 years until his passing in 1977. Surviving are two sons, Eugene and wife Lois of New Hope, PA., and Terence and wife Carolyn of Langhorne, PA, Also, 5 grandchildren, including Mark Santella of Yardley, PA, Christine Hirshkind of Dover NH, Lisa Bonecutter of Leo, Indiana, Jessica Dayman of Doylestown, PA, and Thomas Santella of Brooklyn, NY, and 12 great grandchildren, a sister, Jeanne Dawson of Columbus, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Janice, 2 brothers Anthony Pascale and Chuck Pascale, and 2 sisters Helen Pascale and Emma Risconsin. Mary was a graduate of Altoona High School. She relocated to Yardley, PA in 1952 with her husband Eugene where they raised their two sons. She worked for many years as a Department Manager for Sears & Roebuck. After retirement she continued working part time through her 70's at a florist shop and doll shop in Yardley. Mary was a member for many years of Holy Trinity Church in Morrisville, PA. She was a very accomplished cook, with Italian meals her specialty. She had several hobbies including gardening, collecting artist dolls, and acrylic painting. She continued her painting into her 90's and became very good at it. Without question, her biggest joy in life was spending time with family and friends. Her favorite hobby, really, was just sitting around the kitchen table with family discussing everything or anything. It really didn't matter, just being together was what mattered to her. "Nanny" was a very special person to all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren! We are thankful that God gave us so many years to spend with her. At Mary's request, mass will be said for her at The Church of Saint Andrew, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown Pa on July 25, 2019 at 11:00AM. A visitation with family and friends will be held for one hour preceding the mass. Final internment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Altoona, PA on July 26, 2019 at 1:00 PM. There will be a short graveside service, friends and relatives are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.