Nancy Belle Watkins Santora

Nancy Belle Watkins Santora, 98, our beloved mother, passed away on September 3, 2021. She leaves her proudest accomplishment: her children: Arthur (Marilyn), Ken, Ruth (Keith), Jeanne (Dennis) and Donna (Jim). Her grandchildren Sarah, Zachary, Denny, Jared, Jordan, Joanna and Nicholas will always carry a little bit of Nancy in them. Her great grandchildren are Grant, Patton, Weston, Calvin, Everett, and Stevie Jo (deceased). Our mom was an independent woman. She was born in Johnstown, PA on April 7, 1923.

She is preceded in death by parents Guy and Ada Apt, brother Charles and sister Jesse. During WWII she left home to work in Washington, D.C. for the FBI. After being a stay-at-home mom, she returned to work for Republic Steel in Cleveland. She was always active, still driving and bowling in 2 leagues into her nineties. Nancy had many hobbies. She was an avid reader, crossword puzzler, ballroom dancer and Cleveland Indians fan. She also enjoyed spending time with family, friends and crafting at the Rocky

River Senior Center.

Nancy was twice married. Her first marriage was to Bryner (Hap) Watkins (deceased) with whom she had 5 children. Later in life she married Philip Santora (deceased), otherwise known as the man who made mom smile everyday of their 11-year marriage. Nancy was a soft-spoken sweetheart who will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Thanks, Mom,  for always being there when we needed you and for instilling in us by example how to live a good life.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at a later date.