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NEWTON -- Beatrice Santora, 91, of Newton, died peacefully with her loving family by her side Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, at her home following a long illness. Born in Newark, she had lived many years in the Iselin section of Woodbridge Township until moving to Newton in 1962.
Daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Dana) Dispenziere, Beatrice was a World War II bride, marrying Joseph Santora in 1942 just before he left for the fighting in Europe. They would remain married and always be together for almost 70 years until Joseph predeceased her in 2010. Beatrice was a devout parishioner of the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Newton, where she was an active member and past president of the Rosary Altar Society for many years. A loving and dedicated homemaker, Beatrice sacrificed her own needs for those of her beloved family. She was known as an excellent cook by all those who warmly entered her home, where she always provided a great meal in a warm and friendly surrounding. Strangers, friends, neighbors and relatives were all treated as family. Beatrice never failed to share her talents, conversations and her skills with all those who knew her. She never failed to leave a lasting memory. And she always felt blessed by the presence of those who were around her. Hers was a joyous life that was worth living. Survivors include her daughters, Beatrice and her late husband, Richard, Balakonis, Theresa and her husband, George Dearness; her son Joseph and his wife, Sandra, Santora; her sisters, Ann Guarino and Grace Padilla; her brother Joseph Dispenziere; her grandchildren Susan, Lori, Nancy, Tara, Michael, Tracey, Bryan and Andrea; and her great-grandchildren Michael John, Daniel, Jennifer, Nicholas, Brandy and Matthew. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. in the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Newton, immediately followed by entombment in the church cemetery, Newton. Visitation will be held Sunday, Oct. 20, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home, 156 Main St. (Route 206), Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Karen Ann Quinlan Center of Hope Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ 07860. Online condolences may be made through www.iliff-ruggierofuneralhome.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Dear Grammy, the world is a little less happy and the sky a little less bright without you in it. You will be missed dearly but our family will always keep you alive in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. I am truly blessed to have had you in my life and am thankful for all the fond memories we shared. I will miss your delicious home-cooked meals, wise advice, jokes and stories, but most of all I will miss your warm embrace and smile that you always welcomed me with everytime I saw you. You are a true inspiration and one of the most selfless people I know; always putting others before yourself and making sure we're all happy and taken care of. You were the heart and soul of this family that would always keep us together, grounded and at peace. I will try my best to make sure that that lives on within us and we stay united because I know that is what you would have wanted. Thank you for all that you have done for me and this family and I hope to one day be as lucky as you were to have such a loving husband and to be such a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. It's surreal to me that I won't get to see you or hear your voice again, but I take comfort in knowing that you are at peace and up in Heaven reunited with Grandpa. You lived a happy, long life and are truly an angel to this family. Miss you deeply and love you always!!!
Tracey Sandillo
October 22, 2013
Although words are never enough to ease the loss of a Mother and loved one, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Although she leaves life, as we know it, your memories and love will carry on forever. She has suffered a long illness but is now reunited with her love ones who went before her. May that bring you comfort and ease your pain. Our condolences. Denise & John
Denise Hachicho
October 20, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person. My memories of her and the rest of your family will always be with me as a great neighbor growing up. I just had a wonderful conversation about your family while visiting Valentino's in Sarasota where we now live with one of your family. What a coincidence! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless!
Bob Caffrey
October 19, 2013
I'm so happy I had the pleasure of getting to know you over the past couple of years. What a wonderful sweet funny women. “Perhaps they are not stars in the sky but openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.” xoxo Amanda
October 18, 2013
Grandma, we love you. Let my dad and grandpa know we love them as well. Forever in our hearts..thank you for the great memories. Lori, Jennifer, Nicholas and Joel
Lori Belverio
October 18, 2013
Rest in peace Grandma. We love you and will miss you lots. You can now enjoy eternity with Grandpa again. Love Susan, Bob and Danny
Susan Ackerman
October 18, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
J.L. Apter Memorial Chapels - Newton - Sussex County156 Main Street P.O.Box 452, Newton, NJ 07860
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