Mary Frances Santarelli's Obituary
Mary Santarelli, age 90, met her Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face on June 3, 2024 at 5:26am. Born to Steve and Alma Bible, she was raised an only child in Texas and after graduating nursing school, she moved to Michigan where she has lived her entire life. Mary was a Registered Nurse who has worked in many capacities through the years; touching lives everywhere she went. Mary has been a Med-Surg. Nurse, a Director of Nurses, a Nursing Instructor at Hackley Hospital School of Nursing, a Nursing Home Administrator, and she taught several classes at both Baker and Muskegon Community College; up until she was 80+ years old. Mary loved Jesus with all of her heart and the past few years she has been very dedicated to prayer for, and donations to help, Israel, as well as Muskegon Pregnancy Services to help save unborn babies. Mary loved to teach and took so many opportunities to help students learn to reason and think about questions rather than just give them the answer to questions. Mary loved her family, her church, and her friends. She never met a stranger because as soon as she met them, she asked their name and where they went to school (if applicable) and then told us about the people she met; by name. Survivors include three daughters; Deb (Marvin) Carlson, Peggy Santarelli, and Judy (David) Henry, as well as grandchildren, Natalie Henry, Missy Sparks, Hillary (Zach) Saum, Caroline Santarelli, Mike Carlson, Matt (Courtney) Carlson, Mark (Sydni) Carlson, and Sarah (David) Borgeson. She is also survived by great grandchildren, Trent Slavens, Kinslee Sparks, Wes and Amelia Carlson, Noelle and Edward Saum, and Sophie Borgeson. She had a little Pomeranian named Oscar that brought her so much companionship and joy. She loved Oscar and called him her little boy. She also had many people she called her ‘heart kids’ that she adopted emotionally. Many friends and caregivers also meant so much to her and to us over the past several weeks. Thank you to everyone who touched our lives and cared for our mom at Sanctuary of the Oaks, Mercy Hospital, and later at Heartwood Lodge. Mary’s parents, Steve and Alma Bible, as well as her loving husband, Edward Paul Santarelli, preceded her in death. Her last family gathering was May 19 when we celebrated her 90th birthday. She enjoyed friends and family visits so much. Thanks to all who reached out to her and encouraged her these past several weeks with cards and visits. Up to her dying day, she loved to speak of her faith in Jesus and wanted everyone she met to know Jesus too. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Mary will be held 11:00 AM Friday, August 9, 2024 at Central Assembly of God Church (896 Home St., Muskegon, MI 49442) where everyone will gather and share memories and blessings of our dear mother. This will be announced later so friends can gather with us to celebrate her life.
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