Santina Palmeri Lonergan, 70, of Moosic, died peacefully and suddenly at her home on Dec. 19.
A lifelong resident of Northeast Pennsylvania, she was born in Pittston, daughter of the late Anthony and Josephine Palmeri. She attended St. Rocco's Elementary School and St. John's High School. She earned a full academic scholarship to Marywood College, where she received a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in social science. She was the recipient of the Jordan Medal of Honor and was accepted in the National Honor Society. She also received the Sister Denis Donnegan Award of Achievement from Marywood.
She spent 35 years teaching history and economics at Pittston Area High School and served as moderator for student council. During her teaching career, she touched the lives of thousands of students and co-workers, many of whom she kept in touch with after her retirement. She also tutored students in Latin in recent years. Santina's love of learning served her well in 1992, when she was a champion contestant on the "Jeopardy!" television game show.
Santina's greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She delighted in hosting her family on the holidays, and spending time with her grandchildren. To them she was better known as "Gaga" and was adored for bringing joy, love, fun and surprises everywhere she went.
Her spirituality was very important to her. She was a devout Catholic, and a regular attendee at Mass throughout her life.
Santina was a tireless volunteer in the community. Her service included volunteering every Friday at the St. Francis of Assisi Soup Kitchen. She served on the planning committee for the Holocaust Symposium, was the president of the Loyola Society at Scranton Preparatory School and the past-president of the Scranton Prep Parents Club. She served as the Queen Mother of the Red Hat Society, and an officer with the 9-hole women's golf association at Glenmaura Country Club. She was also an active volunteer at St. Joseph Children's Hospital, the Lackawanna County chapter of the American Red Cross with her husband, and Holy Name of Jesus Church.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, J. Brian Lonergan, Moosic; her three children, Brian Lonergan Jr., Laytonsville, Md.; daughter, Lynn Lonergan Weisz, North Yarmouth, Maine; and Christopher Lonergan, Philadelphia; her sister, Sister Josephine Palmeri, Morristown, N.J.; and her beloved eight grandchildren, Shannon Scott, 14, Ryan Scott, 11, Caitlin Lonergan, 9, Aidan Lonergan, 5, Sarah Weisz, 6, Jake Weisz, 3, Madeline Lonergan, 2, and Miles Lonergan, 4 months.
Mass will be Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m. in Divine Mercy Church, 312 Davis St., Scranton. Family visitation will begin at 8:30 until service time. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18510.