Santina Novello hailed from Elizabeth, N.J. and left her mark on the town. After graduating high school at 16, she worked as Secretary to the Director of Business Education in the Elizabeth public schools. It was there that fate brought her and her husband-to-be, Paul, together where he developed the audio-visual program at the Elizabeth schools.  They were married in 1943 and celebrated 50 years of marriage with family and friends.

She then worked in the Superintendent of Schools office and for the Navy office in Kearny, N. J. during World War II before she became pregnant with her daughter, Adelene. She returned to work before having her son, John.  Tina subsequently worked as an elementary school secretary for 22 more years. Tina and Paul travelled to many places in Europe—the highlight being a return to Italy with her family and her husband’s parents who had not been back for 70 years. The Novellos also motored across the country to California and Canada and over the years almost every one of the 50 states.

Tina’s  husband Paul passed away in 1993 in the care of Hospice by the Sea, in Boca Raton. Tina was so impressed with the care that Paul received at the facility that she vowed to volunteer there, and she did so for three mornings a week for nine years.  It was a great comfort to Tina and her family that she passed her final hours at Hospice by the Sea.

Tina loved to read and complete crossword puzzles. She lived at Crosswinds condominiums in Delray Beach where she was active in her condo association as a past Board member, past Association President and member of the Citizen Observation Patrol.  She was an active member and contributor at Ascension Church.  There, she was a Eucharistic Minister, usher, lector, member of the Consolation Ministry, and she served as Hospitality Chairman in charge of Sunday morning coffee hours.  Even in her early 90’s Tina was bringing communion to the “elderly” who were confined to their homes.

 In her own words, “Tina gave her all—all over town!”  She derived the greatest satisfaction from being active, helping others, and enjoying the company of her friends and family.

Tina is survived by her daughter Adelene and her husband the Reverend Craig Burlington of Delray Beach,her son Dr. John Novello and wife Patricia of Dover, N.H., her six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trustbridge, Hospice by the Sea, Boca Raton, FL in Tina’s honor.

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487

561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com