Obituary for Eleanor Mary Santee (Bertini)
Eleanor Mary Santee (Bertini) was born in Freeport, Ohio on December 29, 1931. She was the fifth child born to Rudolph Mark and Esther Ann Eve Bertini. She wed Thomas Daniel Santee on November 14, 1950 in Golden, Colorado. They were married until he preceded her in death on January 6, 1997. Mary, as she was known, was mother to seven children, who survive her: Audrey Santee, Rebecca Addy, Renee McClure, Suzette Taylor, Tomie Santee, Dan Santee and Stephen Santee. She is grandmother to 19 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren.
At different times, Mary lived in Florida, Oklahoma and Alaska, but Texas was her final home. She enjoyed outdoor activities and pets of all shapes and sizes. She was an excellent marksman, but preferred a garden hoe for dealing with wayward rattlesnakes. She was a restorer of cars, remodeler of homes, re-upholsterer of all things upholstered and refinisher of furniture. She loved raising vegetables in gardens and collecting things from her camping excursions across the United States.
Mary was extraordinary in the kitchen as well. Her baked bread was unmatched. As folks learned about her bread baking schedule, visitors would “randomly” appear on the afternoons that fresh bread was baked. She was a fierce advocate for her children and proud rejecter of common notions of what a “stay at home mom” should be and do. Mary was fully capable of teaching her children any sport they wished to learn and she was a proud cub-scout leader. She bested more than one man in arm-wrestling challenges, poker and pool. She enjoyed dancing, and while she appreciated the classic country of Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash, her radio was always tuned to the newest Top 40 music.
Her unique no-nonsense style was evident in her preferred clothing. People became accustomed to her denim jacket, or leather jacket with fringe. She owned steel toe boots…then again, she was given a chain saw for an anniversary present so the boots were an accessory. Comfort was key, and blue jeans were a must, but that did not exclude bling’d-out shirts in every shade of blue.
Mary blessed all who knew her with her down to earth common sense, an innate comprehension of right and wrong, and an untiring work ethic along with a quick wit that few could match. Her example to all of us was that of action…the principle that nobody else can change your life for you. If you do not like your circumstances, you change them…through hard work and perseverance. You would not hear Mary complain, you would not hear her pity herself or others. Always move forward.
Mary was fond of Footprints in the Sand, and hung a copy of it in each house she owned. For whatever reason, it comforted her. She was never one to seek help or burden others with her troubles, but she knew that when the time would finally come, there was one she would allow to help her home. We will all miss Mary, our Mom, more than we think we can handle, but she lives on each of us. She did not raise meek or timid children, and she already provided us the example when our father passed away so young. You move, always forward, to the next day, the next challenge, the next person you can help. And so we shall.
We love you Mom!
At different times, Mary lived in Florida, Oklahoma and Alaska, but Texas was her final home. She enjoyed outdoor activities and pets of all shapes and sizes. She was an excellent marksman, but preferred a garden hoe for dealing with wayward rattlesnakes. She was a restorer of cars, remodeler of homes, re-upholsterer of all things upholstered and refinisher of furniture. She loved raising vegetables in gardens and collecting things from her camping excursions across the United States.
Mary was extraordinary in the kitchen as well. Her baked bread was unmatched. As folks learned about her bread baking schedule, visitors would “randomly” appear on the afternoons that fresh bread was baked. She was a fierce advocate for her children and proud rejecter of common notions of what a “stay at home mom” should be and do. Mary was fully capable of teaching her children any sport they wished to learn and she was a proud cub-scout leader. She bested more than one man in arm-wrestling challenges, poker and pool. She enjoyed dancing, and while she appreciated the classic country of Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash, her radio was always tuned to the newest Top 40 music.
Her unique no-nonsense style was evident in her preferred clothing. People became accustomed to her denim jacket, or leather jacket with fringe. She owned steel toe boots…then again, she was given a chain saw for an anniversary present so the boots were an accessory. Comfort was key, and blue jeans were a must, but that did not exclude bling’d-out shirts in every shade of blue.
Mary blessed all who knew her with her down to earth common sense, an innate comprehension of right and wrong, and an untiring work ethic along with a quick wit that few could match. Her example to all of us was that of action…the principle that nobody else can change your life for you. If you do not like your circumstances, you change them…through hard work and perseverance. You would not hear Mary complain, you would not hear her pity herself or others. Always move forward.
Mary was fond of Footprints in the Sand, and hung a copy of it in each house she owned. For whatever reason, it comforted her. She was never one to seek help or burden others with her troubles, but she knew that when the time would finally come, there was one she would allow to help her home. We will all miss Mary, our Mom, more than we think we can handle, but she lives on each of us. She did not raise meek or timid children, and she already provided us the example when our father passed away so young. You move, always forward, to the next day, the next challenge, the next person you can help. And so we shall.
We love you Mom!
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