Santina Corso Kenney

Santina Corso was born on September 8, 1917 in Hartford, Connecticut. She was one of 11 children. When she was young, her family moved to Logansport, Indiana, where she grew up. She attended school through the eighth grade, when she had to leave to help her newly married sister. Santina always regretted not being able to go to high school. She also wanted to establish her independence, so she became a hairdresser and moved to Indianapolis. Through a friend, she met the love of her life – Michael Kenney. They continued their romance while he was stationed overseas – often sending her love letters in return for her care packages. After the war, they married on January 16, 1946. Mike got a job with the Air Force Finance Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and they moved there. Their first child, Michael Edward, was born there in June 1947. After four years they made their final move to Denver, Colorado – after the Air Force decided to move its finance operations there. Marilyn was born shortly after that move, and Susan followed 3 years later. Life within our close-knit family abounded in love, respect for education and our faith, with both parents encouraging us to do and be our best. Mom was a full-time homemaker and all around go getter, taking care of the household and making sure we children got to where we needed to go on time, while instilling in all three of us a sense of independence. Some of our many memories are coming home from school to the smell of fresh baked bread, waking up early on a summer morning and seeing Mom already out in the garden, or listening to her sing while she worked. It was little wonder that our house was the neighbourhood meeting place for all kinds of activities. Although she was only allowed an elementary education, she read constantly and kept up to date on current events. She was passionate about politics, working at the polls at elections. She loved a good argument, but not a fight. We all eventually moved away from home to begin our own lives – always encouraged by Mom and Dad to become independent. Tragedy struck in September 1990 when our brother was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident. Mom just used her strength and determination to help in whatever way she could, even living for months in Vegas until my brother was well enough to be on his own. After Dad died, she continued to be a major source of support and solace to our brother. (It is a blessing that she was unaware of his death this last April.) She also rejoiced at the births of both of her grandchildren and was eager to be there with them and to watch them grow. She loved it when the oldest, Moira, put on Irish dance performances at her residence; and when Amy would visit with all of Mom's friends. In 2001 she was stricken with Alzheimer's and had to move from her apartment at Heather Gardens. She lived at the Heritage Club for five years. As her abilities declined she once again had to move. Her final residence became the Joy of Caring, run by Joi Dixon. She became part of the family there and was loved and cared for in the best possible way. She took her final breath with Joy on Wednesday, Aug 28th. She will be greatly missed as a devoted wife, mother and a friend. The Recitation of the Rosary will take place on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 7:00 in the evening at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave., in Aurora. The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 9:30 in the morning at St. Therese Catholic Church, 1243 Kingston St., in Aurora with burial to follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery at noon. Please click on ""Sign Guestbook"" to share memories of Sandy and messages of condolence with her family.