Santa Mae Theysohn

1935 - 2018

Santa Mae Theysohn

Poughkeepsie - Santa Mae Theysohn, 83 of POUGHKEEPSIE New York passed away peacefully on Thursday December 27th, 2018 at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie New York, surrounded by her loving family. For many years, Santa Mae faced the many challenges brought on by Alzheimer's Disease. It is through her husband, children and family's loving care and daily support that she was able to live in the comfort of her home.

Santa Mae was born July 13th, 1935, daughter of the late Andrew Benigno and

Elizabeth (Fiandaca) Benigno. On October 2nd, 1955 Santa Mae married the love of her life John (Jack) Theysohn at Mt. Carmel Church.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter Betty Jean Laffin and her husband Michael of Hopewell Junction, New York. Her daughter Jacqueline DeBiase and Christopher of Charlotte, North Carolina. Her son John Theysohn and his wife Monica of Charlotte, North Carolina. And her daughter Tanya Beyea and her husband Eric of Poughkeepsie, New York. Other survivors include her 11 grandchildren and their spouses, Brett Laffin and his wife Teresa, Jason Laffin and his wife Kristen, Brandon Laffin and his wife Valerie, Ashlyn Womble and her husband Taylor, Jete' Chiacchia and her husband Michael, Alyssa Theysohn, Michael Laffin, Travis Beyea, Erica Theysohn, Zachary DeBiase and Elizabeth Theysohn.

This past year,Santa Mae was blessed with 3 great grandchildren, Palmer Womble, Brayden Chiacchia and Olivia Laffin. She is also survived by her sister Rosemary Blake and her husband Robert, her brother, Joseph Benigno and his wife Barbara, her brother-in-law Clinton Theysohn, her brother-in-law, John Blake, her sister-in-law Rose and her husband Gary. She was predeceased by her sister-in-law Judith Merritt and her late husband Stanley and her Sister-in-law Barbara (Dee) Theysohn.

A lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie, New York, Santa Mae attended The Nativity School and graduated in the class of 1953 from Poughkeepsie High School. Following her High School Graduation, Santa Mae was employed at IBM.

Santa Mae was a parishioner and choir member of St. Mary's Church in Poughkeepsie. She was a receptionist at the Catechetical office and the parish nearly new shop during her children's school years. She worked for many years at Betty Jean's Dance Studio where she embraced many children and always greeted them with the warmest smile.

Her family gave her the greatest joy as well as her grandchildren and now great grandchildren. We would like to thank Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Julie and Kerryann for their compassionate care. Santa Mae loved dancing with her husband, Jack. She would always say "when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance".

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, 4-7 PM at the Wm. G. Miller & Son FH, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Pok,, NY 12603. A Mass of Christian Burial will held at 10 AM on January 3, 2019 in St. Mary's Church, 231 Church St.,Pok, NY 12601. Burial will follow in the family plot in St. Peter's Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2649 So. Rd.,#101 Pok., NY 12601. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com