Elsie W (Schmidt) Santoro

Elsie Wanda (Schmidt) Santoro passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 7 at Brandywine Living in Litchfield at the age of 91. She was preceded in death by her husband Nicholas William Santoro. Elsie was born November 12, 1928, daughter of the late Wanda Arndt and Herman Schmidt and was predeceased by her two sisters Helena Beres and Eleanor Swanson. 

Elsie worked with her husband Nicholas for many years at their business, Santoro’s Plumbing and Heating in Torrington.  In later years she opened a small craft store at that location called “The Gingham Goose”. 

Church life at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church was very important to her.  She served on the Altar Guild, Church Council, weekly coffee hour, ladies sewing group and on the “Angel Project”.  Elsie and her husband Nicholas also loved singing in the Church choir.  They were also lovingly referred to by many children at the church as “Mr. and Mrs. Meatball” due to the children’s love of the meatballs which they made for many church suppers.  

Left to cherish her memory are her children David Santoro and wife Christine, Susan McKenna and her husband Casey, Nicholas Santoro; Lori Cheever and her husband John; ten grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. 

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Brandywine and Foothills VNA for the exceptional care given to her during her stay there. 

Friends may call at Phalen Funeral Home, 285 Migeon Avenue, Torrington CT on Sunday, October 11 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Funeral Services will be held Monday, October 12 , 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 837 Charles Street, Torrington, Ct.  Mask and social distancing guidelines to be observed. 

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations in her name may be made to St.Paul’s Church, Book of Remembrance, 837 Charles Street, Torrington, CT 06790.   www.phalenfuneral.com

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