Catherine Santaniello

Norwich — Our dear Catherine “Cathy” Santaniello passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Norwich, one month shy of her 58th birthday.

A gifted artisan, humanitarian, and consummate friend, Cathy was a pillar of support for her family and friends. She was the proud aunt of three nieces and two nephews and graciously took on the role of aunt to many extended family members. Cathy made time for everyone and devoted her attention to every moment you were in her presence. Cathy graciously poured her sense of humor, forgiveness and unconditional love into our hearts. Cathy loved going to the beach, designing jewelry, reading a good book, or conversing with loved ones in her leisure time. To know Cathy means to have known true beauty, light and grace. Her legacy of lasting love, hearty laughter and effortless faith will forever swell in the folds of our memories and will, without a doubt, fortify us, lift us and renew us as we face life without her.

Her sisters, Ruth (Santaniello) Mendonca of Kissimmee, Fla., and Carol Klinefelter of Oakdale, survive Cathy. Her nieces and nephews, Laurence (Santaniello) Mendonca, Candace (Dacey) Pratt, Rachel Klinefelter, Willie Klinefelter and Emma Klinefelter, also survive her. Uncles, aunts and

cousins also survive Cathy. Cathy was born to the late Anthony Santaniello Sr. and Laura (Mallardi) Santaniello in Hartford. Her two brothers, Anthony Santaniello Jr. and Laurence Santaniello, predeceased her. Glastonbury became her home as a young child, and she resided in New London throughout her high school and college years. Cathy attended Eastern Connecticut State University for her undergraduate studies and the University of Connecticut for her graduate degree. Cathy treasured her role as sister, aunt and best friend creating beautiful memories filled with adventure, laughter, reading, games and beach time soaking in the sun. Cathy loved cats and was fond of taking in strays and making them beloved family members. She meant so much to many of us.

A memorial gathering will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Avenue, New London. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the family may be shared at www. neilanfuneralhome.com. In honor of Cathy, who lived life on the bright side, we invite you to wear a splash of purple (her favorite color). “To know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson