Sandra M. Santelli

Sandra M. (Lombardo) Santelli, 84 passed away at home on Friday, January 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Sandra was born on December 6, 1940 in Powassan, Ontario, Canada to Harry and Caroline Porter Targony and came to the United States as a young child. Sandra graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in nursing. While in college, she was a synchronized swimmer for the famous Castaways Motel in Miami Beach, FL. After graduation she made her home in Youngstown and was employed as a registered nurse at Northside Hospital for 42 years, until her retirement in 2004. Sandra was an active member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, where she made Greek pastries with the weekly baking group and coordinated the annual Summerfest for many years. She was a member of the Philoptochos Society and was honored with the St. Photios Award for loving and dedicated service to the Orthodox Christian faith. She was a member of the YMCA, where she enjoyed swimming, volleyball, and coffee with her group of friends. Sandra was a gardener, an animal lover, and an avid golfer, belonging to several leagues. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, and other crafts. It gave her great joy to host meals and holidays for family and friends. Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Leanne Lombardo; cousins, Karen Pieton and Suzanne Rymer; brother Charles Hindes and sister Janet (Phil) Knight of Canada; Alex's children Zachary and Adam (Nicole) Yankush, Cory (Dustin) Wilharm and their beloved children; her dearest friends of more than 60 years from card club; many nieces and nephews; and her precious and loyal dogs Franklin and Arlo. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Ralph Lombardo and Richard Santelli; and long-time companion, Alex Yankush. Her family would like to thank Patriot Homecare and Hospice, her caregiver Donna from Home Instead, and the nurses, doctors, and staff from Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Youngstown, The Woodlands at AustinWoods, and FirstLight Homecare for the care they gave to Sandra. You serve your profession well. Family and friends will gather On Wednesday January 29, 2025 from 10-11am in Schiavone Funeral Home for visitation. The Nurses Honor Guard of Eastern Ohio will close out visitation with a Nightingale Tribute followed by a memorial prayer service officiated by Father Joseph DiStefano from St. Nicholas Church. Donations may be made to Animal Charity of Ohio in Sandra's memory. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandra M (Targony) Lombardo Santelli, please visit our floral store.