Norine Jeanne Santi
July 5, 1921 - April 14, 2012
Obituary
Norine Jeanne Santi July 5, 1921 – April 14, 2012 This month our family lost a kind, strong-willed, smart, and often humorous lady who reached for perfection, wanted the best of everything, and worked hard to get the most out of life. Her friends lost an attractive fun-loving gal who loved to dress up, go dancing, dine out, enjoy good conversation, and stay up very late. Her community lost a caring woman who could be generous to a fault and had a soft spot for those people less fortunate, plus endangered and stray animals of any kind. She loved and supported our Washington Nat’l Parks, museums and gardens; and proudly tracked the ups and downs of prominent NW companies, local businesses and sports teams.
Jeanne was born in Auburn and graduated from Kent High School in 1939. Her loving parents were Norine and Clarence Swanson; she had a younger brother, Hilmer who could get away with teasing his Sis. Jeanne loved popular music with a good beat; she played in a band and her school dance cards were always full. Jeanne played drums and piano, collecting sheet music throughout her life. Through her saved letters and photographs one can tell Jeanne was a special, loving niece to our family’s many Aunties. Physically active as a young girl in Kent, she enjoyed Tennis Club and roller skating with her high school chums. In the 1950’s Jeanne excelled as a bowler and member of a woman’s travel league – recognized for her high scores and high backswing with a weighty 16 lb ball. Her sporting interests changed as the years progressed but she always sought to improve her game and have fun.
In June 1948 Jeanne married her first husband, E. Ben Franzen of Auburn and they had a daughter, Sharman Norine. The three enjoyed Long Beach vacations, picnics, fishing and their small Aljo trailer. Jeanne and Ben plus her cousin (Horace Phillips) operated a full-service grocery store in Midway until the Big Supermarkets opened nearby. Jeanne then took a job with Boeing Co. In 1962 Jeanne married John A. Santi of Renton. Jeanne and John lived in Renton, Bellevue and Federal Way. They enjoyed trailer-camping, salmon fishing, bowling, dancing, and golfing with other residents at Belmor Park and near their vacation property at Lake Limerick. They also devoted many hours to serious gardening and landscaping around their homes and at Lake Limerick. They lived modestly, but Jeanne, having enjoyed the Boeing investment club, saved money to pay for her daughter’s education and create attractively furnished homes. Sadly, John passed away in 1975 at a young age cutting short any retirement travel. Jeanne finished her career with Boeing in 1988 leaving behind many friends and happy memories from her offices in Renton and Auburn.
Jeanne relocated from Federal Way in 2001 to a new Harvest Gate Community in Puyallup where she made new friends, and later she enjoyed some quality-time and fun with her daughter who moved from Virginia in 2002 to lend Jeanne a hand. Early on April 14 Jeanne passed quietly from this world in her sleep at age 90. In addition to her daughter, Sharman Ballantine (Olympia) and grandson Brian Ballantine (Vienna, VA), Jeanne will be missed very much by her close friend and dancing partner, Bill “D”; sister-in-law Becky Swanson (Yuma, AZ) and family; plus cousins and their extended families: Marcia Lee Berg (Veradale), Sally Hurley (Marysville), Sharon Perkins (Bellevue), and Gary Kerr (Snoqualmie). Jeanne’s family wishes to sincerely thank all the wonderful care-givers at two Adult Family Homes, Magic Hands (Puyallup) and The Summit (Olympia), who watched over Jeanne, prayed for her and helped her find joy in each day.
Jeanne loved flowers and memories, so the family is suggesting donations to the White River Valley Museum in Auburn (website: wrvmuseum.org) where some of our family’s history will be saved, or simply flowers to honor Jeanne’s life.
A memorial service for Jeanne will be held on Friday, April 27, 2012, 12:00 PM at Bonney-Watson Funeral Home, 1535 S.W. Dash Point Rd., Federal Way, WA 98023. Inurnment will follow the services at Mountain View Cemetery, Auburn, WA. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online by visiting www.bonneywatson.com. Bonney-Watson Funeral Home of Federal Way is assisting Jeanne’s family with arrangements.
Jeanne: We are so glad to have known you these past 20+ years. It was always fun to visit with you and hear stories of a past way of life in Auburn, Lake Limerick and other places. Sharing special events like birthdays, holidays and other occasions was always fun. We shared a mutual liking of casinos and restaurants. We also went to a few plays, presentations, church functions and parties together. Jeanne holds a very special place in our hearts … a sweet, lovable soul who enjoyed a good meal, a fun time, a good glass of wine, an outing, a trip, an hour or 2 at the casino or just visiting with friends. We will miss you. Love Peter & Larry
wow she was so smart and kind , my family and i are praying for you always in crist love
We are saddened so much for the loss of Jeanne from our lives. She was like family to us and our kids for almost 40 years. She always remembered birthdays and enjoyed many holidays with us just like family. Jeanne traveled to Bend a few times for Della’s special touch to her hair. That went back almost 40 years. We were fortunate to have Jeanne for a Golf partner at a number of courses around the northwest. She was just a lot of fun to be around. Jeanne, we Love you.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Death is one of the most difficult things we face in life but may it comfort you to know that others care. I have found great encouragement when reading the beautiful words penned in the Bible at Isaiah 25:8 “He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.” May this promise bring your family comfort in this difficult time.