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Santa Janssen Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - Santa Marie A. Janssen, 57, of Springfield died at 3:33 p.m. Friday, may 8, 2009, at St. John's Hospital.
She was born June 20, 1951, in Springfield, the daughter of Carmen and Drucilla Nunn Dinardo. She married Thomas "Tom" Janssen on Aug. 26, 1972.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Bernadette Davis; a brother, Pete Dinardo; and a brother-in-law, Tom Brennan.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas "Tom" Janssen of Springfield; two sons, Jeremy (wife, Kate) Janssen of Springfield and Nicholas (wife, Angela) Janssen of Naperville; four sisters, Ada (husband, Tony) Henn of Chatham, Peb Brennan and Mary Dinardo, both of Springfield and Angela Veach of Riverton; four brothers, Carmen Dinardo of Springfield, Sam Dinardo of Lincoln, Joe (companion, Mary Williams) Dinardo of Springfield and Gene Dinardo of Rochester; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She worked for Springfield School District 186 as a certified parent educator with the Parents as Teachers Program.
Santa was a member of Southside Christian Church and NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). She was a past board member of Parent University and was active with the editorial board for its newsletter. Santa also volunteered with many organizations over the years, including the Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery and she was a champion for many children's causes.
A memorial gathering will be held form 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at Staab Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at Staab Funeral Home, with Pastor Jeff Chitwood and Pastor Clayton Tinervin officiating.
Burial will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Springfield School District 186 Early Learning Center for at risk children who need assistance gaining acceptance to the Early Learning Programs.
StaabObituary.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Santa Janssen
Donna Treadwell
May 28, 2009
To the Janssen Family:
I just found out yesterday that Santa passed away. I will miss seeing her at the Early Learning Center. I appreciate Santa's commitment to children in District 186. She made a difference in the lives of so many children and their parents. I always looked forward to her visits when I was an at-home mom with four young children. She would sit on the floor with us and play games, interact with the kids. Kids made her happy and she enjoyed what she did. The last time we got together was before Christmas. We had a great time; she was in good spirits. I will definitely miss her. May God give you comfort and grant you peace at this time.
Judy (Janssen) Westphal
May 15, 2009
Dear Tom & Family:
I know I haven't seen your family since 1975 or so but my thoughts have brought you all to mind often. I was with Jackie and Kristen when the unfortunate news reached us. I always felt Santa was a beautiful, professional, polished lady. I was very happy when you married her. I know you and the children will miss her terribly. Remember that memories of love and friendship are treasures to carry with you always. Take comfort in knowing you were a special part of a well-lived life.
Mary Williams
May 14, 2009
The Janssen Family.
Joe and I will miss Santa very much. She was a wonderful person and we loved spending time with her. Every moment spent with her will be treasured. She will be in our memories forever.
Love you all very much! Joe Dinardo, Mary Williams and Family
Kathy Schafer
May 13, 2009
Santa was a very special person with very special gifts. She was always willing to jump into very difficult family situations to help out a child. She was a true advocate for children in need and helped so many. She never expected recognition because her actions were truly selfless. The world will miss her. My deepest sympathy to all of her family.
Kim Carter Parker
May 13, 2009
Dear Nick and Angela and Family ...
We want to let you know your City Starz!/Kids Inc. family is thinking of you during these difficult days. Mrs. Janssen was ALWAYS there helping Nick work his magic with the talented kids of Springfield. Mrs. Janssen was always smiling and so noteably proud of Nick, and the groups he directed. She was an inspiration for all of us, and it is quite easy to know why Nick is the amazing teacher he is!
Much sympathy coming your way ... Our hearts are breaking for you.
The Parker Family
Pat Gleason
May 13, 2009
Dear Janssen Family,
I feel so privileged to have made Santa's acquaintance at the ELC. I began screening 3-4 year-olds for the pre-school several years ago and always loved it when she was doing the vision/hearing piece. She was a very special lady who had a gift for working with little people and their parents. She will be greatly missed.
Shannon Ushman
May 13, 2009
Dear Janssen Family,
I got to know Santa about 3 years ago. My son Ryan has several issues including autism, but when he was about 1-1/2 years old, a friend referred us to the ELC where Santa met with us and told us to bring Ryan to the Drop-In every week. We did that for 2 days a week for almost 2 years. Santa was our angel who opened the door for us at the ELC and allowed us to bring Ryan to be with other children despite his disabilities. It was also then that she advised us to get Ryan in the Early Intervention Program and she gave us all the materials to be on our way! I last saw Santa last year at the Big Truck Day at the ELC and that was the last time I saw her. Since meeting Santa, Ryan has come so far and it all started with her! Myself as well as my family are BLESSED that we got to know Santa and we are so fortunate she was there for us in the beginning and was a true friend to us until the end. We were so sorry to hear of her passing, but know she is in a better place! God bless your family.
May 12, 2009
Santa was such a good soul. She was a hard worker, and dedicated to helping all children. She always had a smile to share. Even in the last few weeks that she worked, when she was in noticeable pain, she always found a way to comfort others around her. Our staff is very sad at her passing, but glad to know that she and our friend Bernadette are now together again.
Dan and Sandy Brandenburger
May 12, 2009
Tom and family,
Sandy and I were heart broken to here of Santa's passing. Although we could not be there, know that you are in our thoughts every day. May loving thoughts of your wife and mom keep you close as a family and hopefully someday ease the pain you feel today. Love and prayers from Denver.
Annette Zeter
May 12, 2009
Dear Janssen Family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Santa while we were at Dodd's School, it was there I also met her sister Bernadette. We talked often when both our sister's were sick, I like to think we were each others rock. May you know that she truly was a wonderful kind person that touched so many lives. She is probably up in heaven looking for someone to help. I know we will miss her smiling face at the Early Learning Center. We will all keep you in our thoughts.
Mary Coleman
May 12, 2009
Nick, I hope you remember me. I worked with you at Sears back in 99. I was in the carpet area and you were in sporting goods. I remember how much you talked about your mother about how loving she was. I am so sorry for your loss. Keep looking to the hills, know that all your help comes from the Lord. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. God Bless!!
Erin Sullivan
May 12, 2009
Janssen Family-
Santa was such a wonderful and special woman. I am lucky to have known her and to have seen her smile. She touched to hearts of many and brought smiles to all the children with whom she lovingly worked.
My son called her "Girl Santa" and loved her visits and when we would see her at school. She always had a warm smile and big hug for him. Who wouldn't love seeing someone who genuinely showed such affection.
In the optimism of a 3 year old he was excited for her to learn that she is now with God. We all should be. Though it is hard to no longer have her here with us, we need to take comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering or in pain. She is happy and watching over you. She will be with you always.
God Bless you and your family. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many.
May 12, 2009
Tom,Jeremy,Nick,Kate,Angela
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow. Santa touched so many lives, including mine. Santa was not only a sister to me but a good friend. I will miss her greatly.
Love you all very much,
Annie
Shonna Jugan
May 11, 2009
My heart broke to hear of Santa's passing. She was our parent educator for the last three years and I am so sad to know that my next child won't get to know her as my daughter did. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Ed & Vicki Herr
May 11, 2009
Dear Tom and Family,
Ed and I are so sorry to hear of Santa's passing. Our hearts go out to you all. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.
Josh Thornburgh
May 11, 2009
Nick, Tom, Angela and Family,
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Santa. She was such a fun woman to be around. I remember Nick, Dave and all of the others, we would sit at watch movies in the dark. Santa was such a great, wonderful and funny woman. I will truly miss her and know that she is well taken care of. I wish you all my love and prayers this day.
CAROL CODRON HAMM
May 11, 2009
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE DINARDO AND JANSSEN FAMILY.SANTA MARIE WAS A VERY NICE PERSON AND FRIEND AND A CLASSMATE.WE GRADUATED TOGETHER IN 1969 FROM AUBURN HIGH.
VERY SAD TO LOSE SOMEONE SO YOUNG AND A PERSON THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE IN CHILDRENS LIVES.MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU CARMEN,SAM AND ADA. LOVE CAROL CODRON HAMM
May 11, 2009
TO THE JANSSEN FAMILY,
I met Santa from friends of mine sophie and mary dinardo and I would like to say sorry for your loss. I'll have you all in my prayers.
God blee your family thought this time of need,
Christa Wrest and
Family
Nia Odeoti-Hassan
May 11, 2009
To The Janssen Family:
I first met Santa 15 years ago when my daughter was enrolled in the Parents as Teachers Program. Thanks to Santa's excellent education skills, compassion for people, and deep committment to children and families, my daughter is a better person who will be graduating from high school in a few weeks and entering college in the fall.
We appreciate you loaning Santa to us because the education of young people is better for your sacrifice.
May you be patient and know that there are others who share your joys and sorrys at this time.
Shannon Hansen
May 11, 2009
I am so sorry for you loss. Santa was my parent educator for all three of my children. She was a special person, and helped in so many ways. With deepest sympathies.
Antoine Richards
May 11, 2009
I love you aunt Santa. You were my teacher and aunt. You were always there to help and encourage me. You are smart, intelligent, courageous, funny, beautiful and I will never forget you. I have and always will remember you. And I always will love you Aunt Santa Marie A. Janssen
Cindy & Steve Bahner
May 11, 2009
Dear Janssen Family, Nick and Angela,
I'm so sorry to read about your mom's death. You are all in my heart and in my prayers. She was such a fun lady, all the way back to our days working with the little kids out at McFarland back in the 70's and still when we met again through our own kids and Dave in the 90's. Miss you guys lots.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love to all always,
Mama Disco
Linsey Richardson
May 11, 2009
Dear the family,
Im so sorry for your loss. Your thought and prays are with you. She was a great teacher, She tought my nephew and hepl him so much thank you for that.
May 11, 2009
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Santa is such an amazing, generous and caring person, a really special woman. We feel there are no words that we can give to ease the pain of your loss. Someone has said that what the caterpillar thinks is the end of life, the butterfly thinks is just the beginning.
With deepest sympathies from your Disbursement co-workers at DHS.
David Weiner
May 11, 2009
I am broken hearted to learn of your passing, Momma Janssen. I've thought of you so often over the last several years. Be at rest . . . I love you.
Gitana Fletcher
May 11, 2009
Dear Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was a dear friend of Bernadette's and she talked lovingly of her sister Santa Marie all the time. Again, I am very sorry.
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