Jean Santore

On the morning of July 19, 2020, our friend Jean Santore left this world to start a new chapter reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Doris and Michael Santore, her twin brother Patrick - whose time with her was limited to their mother's womb, and her long time companion "Junior" Leonardo Valencia. In her final days, Jean expressed the fullness and wonder of her life here with us and her readiness to embark on another adventure. Though letting her go is extremely difficult for all of us, she displayed only grace, strength, and a blissful sense of peace. Often we are not given the opportunity to share our final goodbyes, but Jean's last days were filled with loving words and support. Your endearing sentiments conveyed how special and meaningful she was to each of us. Though never having children of her own, Jean served as a second mother to many of us. She was also a firecracker of a friend and an exciting travel companion with amazing stories and a passion for life. She even embarked on her first trip by train within days of her birth in Pennsylvania. She apparently was always on the move - whether hitchhiking across the country or riding her bike around the streets of Montrose. She lived in the moment and continues to inspire us to collect tales of our own to be able to share with her again one day. She fondly spoke of the fresh air in Maine and her words would paint the experience to where we could almost taste it ourselves. She possessed a love of music, especially Bob Dylan and jazz, and enjoyed many a concert including Woodstock. When her body finally forced her to slow down, she escaped through the world of movies with a streaming watchlist that could put the rest of us to shame. Whether she was sipping a fresh espresso in the morning or cooking her favorite Italian dinner from scratch, Jean relished each moment spent with her friends and coworkers. She bonded with those around her with lively stories and a deep connection that is a rare treat in the hustle of today's society. May her love and memory live on through us.