Lily Santarelli
March 15, 1924 ~ March 16, 2017
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Lily Santarelli, 93, passed away March 16, 2017, peacefully and surrounded by her family. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Judy Van Alstyne, Joe Carleo, Jim Carleo, Paula (John) Demchuk, and Mark (Michelle) Santarelli; sister-in-law Kate Santarelli; and special great-nephews, Adam (Jonell) Van Alstyne and Lucas (Laura) Van Alstyne. She is preceded in death by her brother, Pete Santarelli, and sister, Rose (James) Carleo; cousin, Theresa Spicola; nephew, Bob Van Alstyne; special friend, Sil Colalancia; and a host of lifelong friends.
Lil was born to James and Providenza Santarelli on March 15, 1924, in Pueblo. She graduated from Centennial High School in 1942. She cherished her time working at the Pueblo Chemical Depot, where she worked for 35 years, before retiring from the U.S. Army in 1987 as secretary to the Commander. She was a longtime parishioner at Holy Family Catholic Church. Lil spent her retirement as a devoted volunteer at Heritage Elementary School and the gift shop of St. Mary-Corwin Hospital. She was proud of her Goat Hill heritage and enjoyed attending the Luncheons. Across the generations, Lil was our caregiver.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral Mass to be held at Holy Family, Wednesday, Mar. 22 at 11 a.m. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to Sister Nancy at El Centro de Los Pobres, P.O. Box 304, Avondale, CO 81022. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Dear Lil was the soul of the Pueblo Ordnance (later Army) Depot for many years. Always kind and cheerful, she could help “get things done.” My dad came to POD as a sexond lieutenant diring WWII and remained as a civilian until his retirement. In an executive position he often needed the CO’s ear and Lil paved the way for access. He had the greatest respect cor her. I worked as a temporary clerk-typist in the administration building for two summers while I was in college. Busy though she was, Lil was always cheerfully willing to guide me through the rules and regs. I will remember her fondly. Donna Multer Ward
My Dear Aunt Lil,
So many thoughts going through my head and heart. Somehow a simple “thank you” isn’t nearly enough to express my feelings on how you took great care of everyone you loved. You were always proud of everything we accomplished in our lives, and our children’s lives. As recently as 5 years ago, you made all those cookies for our wedding! I still use the pizzelle iron you insisted on giving me when my old one gave out. Your thoughtfulness toward others should serve as an inspiration for us all. Rest in peace, my dear aunt, and let the angels take care of you now. Love, Paula Kay.