Obituary of Janet Mary Santa

Janet Nicolson Santa

Janet Santa (92) of Shelton went to join the Lord peacefully on March 17, 2025, at Crosby Commons in Shelton, surrounded by family.

Born February 16, 1933, to John J.G. and Ramona Leppert Nicolson in Bridgeport, CT. Janet grew up in Stratford and graduated from Stratford High School where she met her husband and love of her life, Norman Santa. Janet and Norman moved to Shelton in 1956 where they raised their family.

In her youth Janet enjoyed cheerleading, ice skating on Brewsters Pond and later in life skiing with her friends in Colorado. Janet and Norman loved to travel the world and especially the United States making it to every state but Alaska. They enjoyed sailing in the Caribbean and especially visiting St. John USVI with their dear friends, Dave and Judy. Janet enjoyed working for several years at The Suburban News and volunteering for various organizations including the American Red Cross, St. Vincent de Paul and working on the Shelton community gardens for which she earned a golden trowel from the mayor. Janet loved to engage anyone she met along the way, always giving and receiving a big smile. When she and her friend Judy went to Sassafras for lunch Judy always knew to leave extra time for Janet to talk to everyone on the way out. When she moved to Crosby Commons, she enthralled the residents, especially the veterans, with her spirited playing of The Marines' Hymn on the piano in the lobby.

Janet is survived by her four children: Thomas (MaryLynn) Santa, Elizabeth Santa (Tim O'Connor), John F. Santa, and Michael (Jennifer) Hillgen-Santa; as well as her eight grandchildren, Wesley Lindquist, Erin Mercede, Stephen Santa, Scott Santa, Caitlin Adler, Campbell O'Connor, William O'Connor, Lorraine Hillgen-Santa and seven great-grandchildren. She is additionally survived by her Brother-in-law John Santa (Irene), and Sisters-in-law, Stephaine DeForest, and Jane Santa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Norman, brothers Elliot and Jack Nicolson, brothers-in-law George and Donald Santa, sisters-in-law Barbara Santa, Lynn, and Margie Nicolson, and nephews Jackie Nicolson and George Russell.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 21st, from 3 to 7 PM at the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road in Fairfield Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 22nd at 10 AM at St Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Avenue, Shelton, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Janet to the Norman K. and Janet N. Santa Fund at the Valley Community Foundation (www.valleycommunityfoundation.org)