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Deborah Susan (Daum) Santoro, of Marblehead, MA passed away August 16, 2021. Debbie was born in Boston on September 12, 1947 and was the daughter of the late Bernard & Martha Daum. She was raised in Newton and Newport, R.I.-she graduated from Newton High School and attended Boston University. Debbie will be remembered for her generosity, free spirit and the importance of family and friends in her life. She was a lover of animals, beaches, especially Goldthwait, and Marblehead which became her home in 1970. She ran her own house cleaning business for many years and during that time she developed caring relationship with her clients that lasted many years. An exceptional cook, she enjoyed entertaining, conversation, music, dancing and laughter. She loved a lively discussion about politics, current events and the various causes she was involved with. Debbie leaves her daughter, Melissa (Santoro) Dobar, son-in-law, Daniel and grandson, Jack, of California. She also leaves behind many dear friends who are included as family. There was always a card or a gift for any and every reason to celebrate or to acknowledge. Her thought fulness came back to her in later years with friends and neighbors ready and willing to lend a hand when needed. She was a beautiful radiant woman on the outside but more importantly on the inside as well. She will be missed by many. Donations in her memory may be made to Marblehead Animal Shelter, Emilys List and Aids Action Committee of Boston. A gathering of friends and family will take place when circumstances allow to honor Debbie. For more information: please email DebbieS information@gmail.com and/or visit the funeral homes website. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com. for the Debbies family.
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Margie Veaner (Peters)
Debbie and I became friends because her father, an optician among other professions, was a business partner with my dad, an optometrist. They shared office space and a good friendship. Debbie and I spent chunks of time together even though I was going elementary and junior high in Newton Center and she was in Newtonville, but we also spent glorious sun-kissed and mosquito-bitten sessions at a couple of girl scout camps over the summer. At Camp Kirby we were having such a good time that our parents were able to extend our stay for another two week session. The next year (1957) we went to Camp Wobasso and stayed twice as long.
In 1957, my baby sister had just been born and the folks were kind of preoccupied, so at summer camp's end, Bernie and Martha drove me home from camp in their amazing gray Thunderbird. It was the most glamouous car I had ever been in and I felt so privileged to be in their amazing world. As the homeward ride went on, I started to get car sick and Bernie pulled over just in time for me to splatter the road side instead of his back seat. All four of us were grateful for that bit of good timing.
When I started at NHS, it was a delight to see my old camp friend again and while we always felt bonded and connected because of our past, we didn't really run in the same circles. I think we both had Miss Parker (later Mrs Bloom) for English our Sophomore year and were in the same class.
Seeing that Debbie passed made me sad. To me. she will always be that smart, insightful, fun and slightly dangerous blonde free spirit and I hope her spirit spreading joy, freedom and connection in her new location.