HUDSON FALLS – On Monday, July 13, 2020, our dear mother, Jean Santoro, 90, passed away due to a fall caused by her advanced Alzheimer’s Disease. Our hearts are broken but we are honored to have shared so many wonderful years with her.
Jean was born in Glens Falls, NY on September 1, 1929. She then moved to Brooklyn, NY with her parents, Sarah Deeb Cusato and Michael Cusato, where she was brought up in a loving, crazy family full of laughter and values. Her parents divorced when Jean was twelve, then moving back to Warren St.in Glens Falls, forming friendships that would last a lifetime. She was proud to be an East Ender, working at Sarah’s grocery store, where people gathered for coffee and conversation.
Jean’s husband, Frank “Che Chee” Santoro, drove past her one day, craning his neck to see his future beautiful bride. They later met on a train, started dating and were married in May 1953. They were a handsome couple who truly loved each other. Unfortunately, Frank’s untimely death left her a widow at 51.
Out of that marriage they had three loving and devoted children, Juliann, Francis and Sara Jean, who cherished their mother beyond measure. Her grandchildren, Thomas Sherman, Marissa Santoro and Anthony Santoro, as well as her great-grandchild, Kenny Heath, shared in that love for their Titah.
Jean was a lover of life and she was so much more. She was beautiful inside and out. She was a singer, a painter, a writer, a great friend, a confidant, an advisor, a world traveler, a humanitarian, a strong and independent woman, a proud Brooklynite and a fierce and loving mother. Her family was her life, including her extended family, the family she married into and the family of friends she made throughout the years.
She made everyone feel as if they were the most important thing in the world. She loved to smile and laugh and appreciated everyone she met. People liked her because of her spunk and zest for life. If you were lucky enough to go to a music event or theatre with her, you would witness someone who truly appreciated the talent in front of her, especially her nephew, Tony DeSare.
She loved all kinds of music, from Frank Sinatra to the Grateful Dead. Meeting the drummer, Mickey Hart, at age 80 was one of her proudest moments. And could she ever sing! She relished performing for people. It was her joy. She recently said, “Music is my medicine.”
For many years she organized an event called Global Kids Chalk 4 Peace, which was held in Juckett Park in Hudson Falls. It was started to help kids express their feelings about September 11th and peace. One year a boy told her he was the school’s biggest bully. She sat him down, explained what she was doing and the next year he found her and excitingly told her he was no longer a bully and he got it. Her work as a peace provider was established.
Jean’s love of the east end of Glens Falls was evident because of her annual gathering of friends at the yearly East End Reunion, were East Enders were invited to gather and share stories about their time living in that area. It was enjoyed by so many, held in honor of her Mom and the wonderful era of the past.
When not working as a dental receptionist, Jean loved to travel. She visited Mexico, Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco, various islands and many places in the US and Canada. She often traveled to NYC’s Roseland Ballroom with her mother and her beloved Syrian cousin, Taudda Najjar. She was always up for an adventure, a good meal or something to do.
One of her mottos was “I’m gonna live til I die”. Our mother was a tremendous advocate for things she believed in, a strong woman, a kind and caring soul, a fashionable person, always wanting a good haircut and a mother who loved her children fiercely and unconditionally. Alzheimer’s may have taken her memory but never her spirit and as she always said, “I’m not from Brooklyn for nothing”. Forever we will miss her and love her for “Sentimental Reasons.”
The Rite of Committal will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2020, St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward. Please wear masks and practice safe social distancing while attending the burial.
In memory of Jean, please consider donating to a children’s charity of one’s choice.
That was a beautiful Memorial to your mom. She was an amazing person and lifelong friend. Her friendship was certainly a gift. My thoughts and prayers to her and your family.
She was a lovely woman. So sorry for your loss.
Your mom was so involved with us at that very important time in our lives. Teenagers into adults. Her sage advise and ability to listen as we all talked on every subject that concerned us. Jeannie was a second mom to me, the one I could confide in, accept advise from…and laugh at and with. My life is so much better from her being a part of it. God speed.
Sorry for your loss
Julie, Sas and Frank, I have too many fond memories of Your wonderful Mom to mention. Her smile spoke volumes. I could see her heart in her eyes. Around the year 2001 I had a conversation about my interest in running for Mayor of Hudson Falls. She looked at me with a bit of surprise. With a serious tone she said “ what about those skeletons in your closet ?” Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives. Our cup of life is fuller thanks to your Mom. I love you all. ……
I’m so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. She will be remembered for her spunk and love of life! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wishing you peace.
Sorry for the loss of such a wonderful woman! She had an amazing smile and I loved to hear her stories. My thoughts and prayers for the family. Vicki RN
So very sorry for the loss of your mom. She sounds like she was a beautiful woman.
Julie, Frank, and Sass – I am so sorry for your loss of your beautiful mom. She was always so welcoming to us St. Mary’s kids at your house. She was my Girl Scout leader or CYO leader, now I can’t remember which, but she was awesome! So full of life and ideas and always loved us kids. What a blessing she was to so many! May you all find peace in your wonderful memories of her.
Jean was a beautiful lady, inside and out. I loved sitting with her and her Mom, Sara and Susie Accardi and Bo Joseph and of course Taudja. The stories they would tell……. Rest in peace beautiful Jean. You will be missed by so many xx
Sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a beautiful person. You have been a huge support to her during her Alzheimer’s journey.
Jean was a wonderful person and a joy to work with when she joined us for the GFCT Senior Seminars. She played a very natural and fun bar tender in our Dude Ranch show and was so much fun as part of the writing teams and our casts. I am so grateful for the opportunity to get to know her. Much love and sympathy to her wonderful family and so sorry for your loss.
God rest and God speed, Jean.
So sorry for your loss. You all did a wonderful job caring for your mother.
I am so sorry for your loss Sass. Your Mom was such a beautiful person and “cool” mom. We were both fortunate to have such great mothers growing up all those years ago in HF. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
Julie, Frank and Sass…I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was such a beautiful person and I remember her being so young at heart and so kind and generous to everyone. Cherish the many memories. R.I.P. Jean 🙏💖
Jeane was one beautiful person…..although I had not seen her for many years, I will always have fond memories of going across the street from my Aunt Susie’s to Sarah’s Grocery . It was there that I used to play dress up with your Mom”s clothes! She was stunning and beautiful and had beautiful clothes. I spent much time on Warren Street enjoying all those beautiful Syrian ladies that would congregate and have coffee……my family and their friends…..what wonderful memories!! RIP Jeane!
I am so sorry for your loss Sass. Your Mom was such a wonderful person and always had a positive outlook on life. We were both so fortunate to have such great mothers growing up all those years ago in HF. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I would just like to send our condolences to you three children in memory of your wonderful mother Jean. Your whole family is a wonderful part of our memories of good ole Hudson Falls, days gone by. To meet her would be to love her because of her upbeat & loving personality. Our prayers are with you at this time. God bless you all.
Carl Ross & Family
I remember Jean always looking like a fashion plate, she had a zest for life and a positive outlook. We had good conversations about travel and her love of music. Although I had not seen her in many years I was saddened to hear of her death and her descent into
Alzheimers. Please accept my condolences for your loss.
Julie, Frank and Sas,
I met your mom in my work office, and from our 1st meeting, I instantly was drawn to her wit, sense of humor, and her amazing outlook on life. NEVER once did I hear her complain or say a negative word. And when she left, I always had a bigger smile on my face and my cheeks would hurt from laughing so much. Because of her, I learned so much about the East End, her children and grandchildren, her love of the Peace4 Chalk and so love for the people in this area. She took another client of ours that was a widow, under her wing and we would all go out for pizza or sandwiches. Ms Jean…. you were one of the good ones. Im so glad our paths crossed – My condolences to you all -Kathleen Brady
Julie, Sas and Frank : what an incredible , wonderful women your mother was. I have so many fond memories of her. She is looking down at you and so proud of the way you loved and cared for her. Now she is up with her Chee Chee . May God bless you . Sending lots of hugs your way.
I met her long ago – her love for life was evident as it still is in my friend Julie. I feel lucky to have just had a few days to know her. What does that say? She is a beautiful soul who made a difference in this world. My condolences and love to the family.
Although I had only met Jean at the East End Picnic or at the band concert I am filled with hope as I read what a caring, charitable person she exemplified. We need more people like her. My condolances to her family
Beautiful memorial for Godmother Jean…She was the Queen of the Eat Enders and rightly so. I have many precious memories of her and her beautiful spirit. Knowing she’s with her little tribe of relatives and friends makes me smile. The band of beauties is finally complete …