Patricia Santulis

Santulis, Patricia AnnOREGON-Patricia Ann Santulis, age 74, passed away on Monday, Feb. 8, 2010. She was born Patricia Ann Rarick, in McKeesport, Pa., on July 23, 1935, to Francis "Pete" Rarick and Marion Lytle Rarick. Pat graduated from West Newton High School in Pennsylvania and worked briefly in radio advertising. On Nov. 8, 1959, she married Michael Santulis and lived in Elizabeth, Pa. Although she never attended college, she was an avid reader and could eloquently express her strong sense of social justice and liberal political activism. In 1995, her husband suffered a devastating stroke which prompted her relocation to Wisconsin to be closer to family while she cared for her husband until his passing in 2004. Pat battled a neuromuscular disease for 17 years that very gradually robbed her of her ability to move or even talk, the complications of which ultimately took her from this world. Throughout these hardships, Pat remained an inspiration in the manner in which she loved life, made friends, showed concern for others and maintained her wonderfully wry sense of humor. The family thanks the staff of Oregon Manor and many friends who have supported Pat though this long illness. She is survived by her son, Kevin (Carol) Santulis of Brooklyn; her brother, F. Thomas (Sandra) Rarick of Carlisle, Pa.; and her sister, Linda Estes. Pat was preceded in death by her parents; and husband. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 431 Soden Drive, Oregon, at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010. Visitation will be at the funeral home from noon until the time of the service. Burial will be at Prairie Mound Cemetery, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, Pat would have appreciated donations in her name to the Salvation Army to help those less fortunate. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Pat would have appreciated donations in her name to the Salvation Army to help those less fortunate. Cemetery: Burial will be at Prairie Mound Cemetery, Oregon. Visitation: Visitation will be at the funeral home from noon until the time of the service. Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 431 Soden Drive, Oregon, at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010.