Florence Santarsiero

January 15, 2021

Florence Santarsiero, 97, of Dunmore, passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at the home of her daughter, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Leonard Santarsiero, who preceded her in death in 1989.
Born on May 2, 1923, in Throop, daughter of the late Gaetano and Theresa (Muto) Molinaro, she was a 1941 graduate of Throop High School and a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Dunmore. Prior to her marriage, she worked in the local garment industry. Florence was an excellent seamstress, wonderful cook and baker, and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She especially enjoyed preparing holiday and birthday celebrations for her loved ones. Florence's happiest memories were of her annual summer vacations spent on Cape Cod with her family for more than 30 years.
Florence was the most selfless, caring and compassionate woman who taught her family that truth and kindness are the most important things to live by. At the age of 70, she took on the responsibility of caring for her six month old granddaughter, the light of her life, so that her daughter could return to work. Nurturing and guiding her from infancy through her teenage years was a labor of love, which created an extra special bond. She will be forever missed by her loving family.
Surviving are her children, Ann Marie Gagliardi and husband, Orlando, of Waverly Twp.; Theresa Dukauskas and husband, Paul, of Throop; granddaughter, Christine Gagliardi, of Dunmore; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband, Florence was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Molinaro and wife, Ruth; and her sister, Mary Kozel and husband, Joseph.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Interim home health nurse Mary Grace Vadala, RN. and Natalie McKeel, CNA, for the compassionate care they provided for Florence over the past few years. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Linda Frantz, PCP and staff for 20 years of care. A final thank you to Allied Hospice for the excellent care they provided in her final days.
Memorial contributions in Florence's memory, may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
Adhering to CDC guidelines, masks will be required upon entry to the funeral home and social distancing must be practiced. We thank those who will be in attendance in advance for their cooperation.
The funeral will be Saturday, Jan. 24, with a blessing service at noon in the funeral home. Friends and family are invited to call on Saturday from 11 a.m. until time of service at the Morell-LaBelle Funeral Home, 301 Chestnut St., Dunmore. Interment, St. Michael's Cemetery, Dunmore.