Dr. Mary Dea Santini's Obituary
Dr. Mary Dea Santini passed away peacefully on March 15, 2024 with family and friends by her side. She was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania on August 2, 1937.
Dr. Santini spent 43 years as an educator. She was a teacher, assistant principal, principal and adminstrator in the Florida Lee County School System. Following retirement from the Lee County School System, Dr. Santini served as principal for the Diocese of Venice at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte, Florida. She was most happy performing her duties as the Principal of Caloosa Elementary, Caloosa Middle and St. Charles Catholic School.
Dr. Santini was awarded her Bachelor's Degree at Youngstown University, her Master's and Educational Specialist’s Degrees at the University of South Florida. NOVA University conferred her Doctor's Degree.
Surviving Dr. Santini are her son, Lawrence Santini (Ruthcel); granddaughter, Taylor Prescott (Cory); great granddaughter, Hayley; nieces, Francesca Dea, Vanessa Dennison (Shawn); her wonderful great nephew, Connor Eugene Dennison; foster sister, Mary Virginia Trevallion (Glenn); foster nephews Nelson & G.T.; Birthday Club friends; her lovely cat, Mattie.
Dr. Santini was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Marie Barnette; parents, Albert Joseph and Elsie Maria Dea; brother, Dr. Eugene Dea; sister-in-law, Margaret Wilson Dea and foster sister, Helen Louise Bartley; her precious cat, Meesha.
The service to celebrate Dr. Santini will be held at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, Florida 33912 on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10 A.M. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 A.M.
Burial will take place following the service at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33907.
In lieu of flowers, Dr. Santini requested that any donations in her memory be made to the Animal Rescue Center (ARC), 18011 Old Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers. Florida 33917.
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