Santina Marra ( 1933-2023)

Santina “Sandy” Marra, formerly of Hummelstown and Broomall, PA,  passed away on November 5, 2023 at age 90.  She will be remembered as a thoughtful, generous and strong woman.

She was born Santina Cipolla in Fara San Martino, Chieti, Italy in 1933.  She immigrated to Philadelphia after WWII with her mother, Nunzia Cipolla; sister, Maria Cipolla Schiavone; and her brother, Joseph Cipolla to be reunited with their father, Nicola Cipolla.  
Santina was married to Thomas Marra in 1958 and they had three children, Therese who is married to Brian Callaghan; Tom who is married to Gail Verge, and Paul who is married to Tracy Smith Marra of Hummelstown.  Santina  was widowed at the age of 39 and took joy in raising her three children who gave her seven grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren brought her happiness.  Nonna, as she was known by them, was very proud of her family.  She had an amazing joy for life and will be missed by all that were blessed to have her in their lives.

Santina worked as a Retail Sales Associate at House of Bargains and at Acme Markets in Delaware County, PA and took pleasure in knowing her customers.  She also enjoyed baking pies at a local retail bakery.  

She loved cooking Italian foods such as gnocchi, meatballs and pizzelle which were enjoyed by so many friends and family.  Among her other talents was her green thumb for gardening and neighbors would admire her beautiful plants and flowers.  She was an avid crocheter and made countless blankets and scarves that are keeping many warm today. Recently, she crocheted blankets for veterans and babies in the hospital.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Saturday November 11th, 2023 at the St Joan of Arc Catholic Church located at 359 West Areba Ave, Hershey, PA 17033.  Visitations will be Friday, November 10th from 4-6PM with recitation of the Rosary at 4:00pm in The Hoover Funeral Home & Crematory in Hershey as well as from 10:30-11:00am at the church on Saturday. A gathering celebrating Santina’s life will be held immediately after the funeral mass at the Hershey Italian Lodge located at 128 Hillcrest Rd, Hershey, PA 17033. Private interment will be in Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 305 West Areba Avenue, Hershey PA 17033