Obituary of Michelle L. "Shelly" Santillo

MOHAWK/UTICA – Michelle L. “Shelly” Santillo, age 41, our beloved mother, daughter and sister, endured a medical emergency and was hospitalized until she became an angel on Wednesday July 17, 2019. She passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester and throughout her last days and at the time of her passing, she had the constant love and support of her family at her side.

Born on January 18, 1978 in Ilion, Michelle is the daughter of Michael A. Santillo and Carol A. (March) Bechard. She was raised and educated in Mohawk, graduating from Mohawk High School and furthering her education at Herkimer County Community College.

For the past sixteen years Michelle has worked as a sales representative with the MetLife insurance company in Utica. Her first and foremost priority, however, was always the well-being of her children and the being constantly surrounded by the blessings of her family. Her children were her entire life, and everything she did was for them; from spending time at the family camp on Canadarago Lake, to family BBQs, cards and game nights, she was always sure to make everyone feel like they were comfortable, loved and special.

Shelly’s big, beautiful smile and outgoing personality were infectious to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a strong woman with a feisty personality and she lived her life to the fullest. The one thing she would want us all to remember is that she lived her life with “No Regrets.”

She is survived by her beloved children, Kianna Duncan, Isiah Clark, Adrianna Santillo-Ponder and Alanna Santillo-Ponder; her parents, Mike Santillo and Carol and Dean Bechard; her sister, Lisa Santillo; and her brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Kristen Santillo. She was also very blessed to have a large, supportive family and close friends throughout her life, which include her step-siblings, Jessica Martin, Robbie Bechard and AnnMarie Spina-Colp; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and other members of the Santillo, March and Bechard families.

She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Anthony and Sara Santillo, and her maternal grandparents, Robert and Joanna March and Patricia and Bob Bechard.

A special thank you is extended to her lifelong friend, Juli Biviano, her close family friends, Heidi, Byron and Nick Abraham, and the members of the Bassett Healthcare ICU team, Mercy Flight crew and staff of the Strong Memorial Hospital CICU. Your unwavering care, compassion and support for Michelle will forever be remembered.

Friend and relatives are invited to attend Shelly’s calling hours on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 from 3:00PM – 7:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Her funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday at 7:00PM, immediately upon the conclusion of visitation, with Deacon James Bower officiating.

In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorial contributions to Shelly’s children so that they may further their educations and continue to make their mother proud. Checks may be made payable to Kianna Duncan. Envelopes will be also be available at the funeral home.

Shelly’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.