Mimi

Eleonore H. Santarelli, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully just weeks shy of her 96th birthday, on July 8, 2025.

Born in the “Back of the Yards” in Chicago to Alice and James Hajdys on July 29, 1929, she was raised to cherish hard work, family, and faith. At a dance at the Aragon Ballroom, she met the love of her life, John—a Marine and optometry student. They settled in Barnesboro, Pennsylvania, a tiny coal town where they built a beautiful life together. Eleonore became the office manager of John’s (Doc’s) optometric practice, and thanks to her uncanny memory, she could schedule appointments on the street without ever glancing at a calendar. She remembered birthdays, anniversaries, and phone numbers—often sending cards before the spouse remembered the occasion. She was thoughtful like that—and also liked to keep everyone on their toes.

She had a fierce love of shrimp and champagne (ideally together), elegant brooches, and a properly ironed shirt. She was a wonderful listener, and she could make a lasagna that ruined you for all others. Her pizzelles were crisp perfection, and no one ever left her house hungry—or without being asked ten times if they wanted “just a little something.” She loved to read, loved to entertain, and always—always—knew the weather (in every town her relatives lived, plus a few extras just in case).

She was a devoted Catholic and a woman who deeply cherished her family. When she became a grandmother, she became “Mimi”—a title she wore with joy. She was silly, loving, generous, and never missed a chance to spoil her grandchildren in the most wonderful ways (since they were all her favorite).

She leaves to hold dear her memory her daughters, Gail (Jay) and Lori (Jim); her daughter-in-law, Diana, now remarried to Udo; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Mary; her son, John; her beloved husband, John; her sisters, Frances and Sandra; and her toddler brother, Florian.

Mimi showed us how to laugh deeply, love fully, and never miss an opportunity to kiss a handsome fella on the mouth. Her sharp wit, warm heart, and apple pie will be remembered always. We know she’s dancing with John again.

The family would like to thank the staff at Spring Arbor Assisted Living in Frederick and Frederick Health Hospice for their outstanding compassion and care.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 17, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Homes, P.A., 106 E. Church Street. A funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church, 118 E. 2nd St., Frederick, MD, on Friday, July 18, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns and sent to the Carmelite Monastery, 2101 Manor Drive, Loretto, PA 15940. http://lorettocarmel.org/donations/