WOLCOTT – Mary Jane (Meyer) Santoro, 81, of Wolcott, passed away peacefully Friday, June 23, 2017, surrounded by her loved ones after an unexpected brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Donato Santoro.
Mary Jane was born in Waterbury on Aug. 10, 1935, daughter of the late Arthur and Jean (D’Aloia). She graduated from Wilby High School and went on to earn her teaching certificate at Southern Connecticut State Teachers College.
She began her career at St. Hedwig School in Naugatuck and continued on to teach the fifth grade at Chase Elementary School in Waterbury, until her retirement in 2000.
The well-being of her students was one of her priorities, making sure that no child in her class went without lunch money or warm clothes. She had a heart of gold and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Mary Jane enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed going out to lunch with her friends and traveling as often as possible. She was a communicant of St. Leo the Great Church.
Mary Jane is survived by her children, Janice Moreland (George) of Wolcott, Mary Jane Boucher of Terryville, Michael Santoro (Cathy) of Prospect and Donato Santoro Jr. (Mary) of Wolcott; a sister, Joan Uriano (James) of Waterbury; and her grandchildren, Stephanie (Nick) and Monica (Ryan), Nicholas, Sarah and Amanda; and one great-granddaughter, Macy Jean. Mary Jane also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her first-born granddaughter, Candice.
Funeral Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. from Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, to St. Leo the Great Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mary Jane’s memory to: CT Brain Tumor Alliance Inc., P.O. Box 370514, West Hartford, CT 06137; ctbta.org.
For more info or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.
