Esther M Santangelo

SALEM – Ms. Esther M. Santangelo, 92, of Salem and Clinton, lovingly known as “Babe” by her family, passed away unexpectedly at her home.

Born in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Caterina (Mazzeo) Santangelo. She was raised and educated in Salem and attended Salem High School.

Ms. Santangelo was a licensed beautician and hairdresser for many years working at the former Jordan Marsh Coiffures Americana Beauty Salon at their Boston Downtown Crossing location until the time of her retirement.

Esther was a long-time resident of Clinton and Salem, splitting her time between her two favorite places. She was a long-time communicant of the former St. Mary’s Italian Church in Salem and relished time spent travelling. An avid gardener, she took great pride in her epicurean tomatoes, of which she shared with family and friends at the end of every growing season. She could often be found tending to her flowers and garden; all the while keeping an immaculate backyard. Esther was an outstanding cook. She was famous among her family and friends for her tuna dip, zucchini bread, sweet Italian sauce and stuffed artichokes. To those that had the pleasure of consuming her delectable dishes, just smelling her homemade creations would make you salivate.

Babe was always in the companionship of her beloved poodles. Gigi, Midnight the First and Midnight the Second, were her most steadfast friends. She brought them everywhere. They enjoyed sitting in the front seat of her Cadillac, right next to her always. They brought her great joy and love over the years and were truly a part of her family. She was proud of her Italian heritage, loved her family deeply and will be forever missed.

Esther is survived by her sister, Jennie Laverty of Salem, her niece, Kathleen J. Ingemi of Salem, her nephews, Peter Laverty of Salem and Stephen S. Ingemi and his wife, Sarah (Belanger) of Salem, her great nieces, Sarah Ferrara and her husband, John of Danvers and Jennifer Zuzolo and her husband, Nick of Salem, her great grand nieces and nephews, Jason, Gio, Nico and Lilly. She was the sister of the late Grace Santangelo and Lilly Ingemi and sister-in-law of the late Francis Laverty and John Ingemi.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral services were privately held with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Esther’s memory to Poodle Rescue of New England, P.O. Box 441447, Somerville, MA 02144. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

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