Northborough – Rosina “Rose” Santoro, of Northborough, passed away on Feb. 25, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Rosina was born on Oct. 23, 1931 in Queens, N.Y. to Giacomina Leo and Rosario Morsellino.
Rosina was the devoted wife to the late Matteo Santoro for 57 years until he passed away in November 2011.
Rose is survived by her three daughters, Maria Lorito and her husband Angelo Lorito, Jacqueline Santoro and her fiancé Bob, and Anna Smith and her husband Robert Smith, and her four grandchildren, Nicholas Bassi, Tara Bassi and her fiancé George DiFrancesco, Kristin Smith, and Joseph Smith. Rose is also survived by her sister, Jacqueline Japngie, who referred to her beloved sister as “Rosie,” and she also leaves behind her nephews, Gene Gant, Anthony Japngie, and David Bateman; as well as her friends, Linda and Janny, and her family and friends in New York and Sicily, Italy.
Growing up in New York, Rose enjoyed going swimming at her high school after class, which she said cost 25 cents to use the pool. She also enjoyed her artwork, many of which were displayed on the walls in her high school. Rose spent her early adulthood living in Sicily and also married Matteo in Sicily before moving to Brooklyn, N.Y. together to start their family.
Rose enjoyed crewel work, embroidery, cooking, and baking. She made the best pizza, making her own dough and sauce from scratch. During the holidays she made her own Italian cookies, with her Petit Fours being famous among family and friends.
She would often reminisce about watching Matteo and their grandchildren tend to the backyard garden. After harvest, she would turn the fruits of their labor into delicious homemade meals for the family.
Her children and grandchildren were the joys of her life. She enjoyed spending time with them, having long conversations and sharing her family history, recipes, and wisdom. She also loved animals; she adored all her grand-cats, Trixie, Alice, Lily, Nala, Simba, Pumba, and Lulu, and her great-grand-dog, Gracie.
Please respect that services are private and will be held at Saint Bernadette’s Parish.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either Milford Humane Society (cat shelter) in Milford, or Cape Ann Animal Aid Animal Shelter in Gloucester.
