Sandra M. Santelli 1940-2025

Sandra was born on Dec. 6, 1940, in Powassan, Ontario, Canada, to Harry and Caroline Porter Targony and came to the United States as a young child.

Sandra graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. While in college, she was a synchronized swimmer for the famous Castaways Motel in Miami Beach, Florida.

After graduation, she made her home in Youngstown and was employed as a registered nurse at Northside Hospital for 42 years, until her retirement in 2004.

Sandra was an active member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, where she made Greek pastries with the weekly baking group and coordinated the annual Summerfest for many years. She was a member of the Philoptochos Society and was honored with the St. Photios Award for loving and dedicated service to the Orthodox Christian faith. She was a member of the YMCA, where she enjoyed swimming, volleyball, and coffee with her group of friends. Sandra was a gardener, an animal lover, and an avid golfer, belonging to several leagues. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and other crafts. It gave her great joy to host meals and holidays for family and friends.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Leanne Lombardo; cousins, Karen Pieton and Suzanne Rymer; brother, Charles Hindes; and sister, Janet (Phil) Knight of Canada; Alex’s children, Zachary and Adam (Nicole) Yankush, Cory (Dustin) Wilharm and their beloved children; her dearest friends of more than 60 years from card club; many nieces and nephews; and her precious and loyal dogs, Franklin and Arlo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Ralph Lombardo and Richard Santelli; and longtime companion, Alex Yankush.

Her family would like to thank Patriot Homecare and Hospice; her caregiver, Donna from Home Instead; and the nurses, doctors and staff from St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, The Woodlands at AustinWoods and FirstLight Homecare for the care they gave to Sandra. You serve your profession well.

Family and friends will gather from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Schiavone Funeral Home for visitation.

The Nurses Honor Guard of Eastern Ohio will close out visitation with a Nightingale Tribute followed by a memorial prayer service officiated by Rev. Joseph DiStefano from St. Nicholas Church.

Donations may be made to Animal Charity of Ohio in Sandra’s memory.

Please visit www.schiavonefh.com to share condolences.

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