Mary (Basso) Santella, passed away Thursday, September 2nd at Norwalk Hospital after a long illness. Born in New Canaan, June 9, 1930 to the late Giulio and Maria Basso, she was a longtime resident of Norwalk. Mary was the devout and loving wife of Joseph M. Santella for more than 58 years. Mary graduated from New Canaan High School and went on to work at Edwards and Co. in Norwalk, where she met Joe. As a devout Catholic, she was a life long member (and long time officer) of St. Ann's Italian Club (women's aux) and a Eucharistic Minister at St Joseph's Parish, as well as a long time member of the Columbiettes (Knights of Columbus). Because of her loving, sincere and unselfish devotion to her family, community, and church, her deep pride in her Italian heritage, and her unwavering faith in America, Mary has earned her membership in "The Greatest Generation" that this nation has ever seen. Mary was also an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the UConn Men's and Women's basketball teams, spending many nights screaming with joy, excitement, and even frustration at her favorite teams. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two sons, Joseph J. Santella and his wife, Cathy of Trumbull, and Pat Santella and his wife, Kathy and granddaughters, Mary and Diana, also of Trumbull. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Michael J. Santella of Norwalk and Chet Musilli of Milford, and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Basso of New Canaan, along with a niece and several nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Nicholas and Daniel Basso and her sister, Josephine Musilli. Her family and friends will miss her dearly, but are comforted in the fact that because of her life-long deep devotion to the blessed Virgin Mary, she died peacefully and is now welcomed into heaven by the Holy Family. Friends and family may call on Monday, from 4 to 8 pm in Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave, Norwalk. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St Joseph's Church, 85 South Main St, Norwalk, with interment at St. John's Cemetery, Richards Ave, Norwalk. The St. Ann Womens Auxiliary Club will meet at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to either St. Joseph Church, 85 S. Main Street, Norwalk, CT or The St. Ann Women Auxiliary Club, 16 Hendricks Avenue, Norwalk, CT.

Published in Connecticut Post on September 4, 2010