Carolyn Santamaria, 65, passed away May 9, 2017 at the Exeter Hospital, Exeter, NH.

She was born July 8, 1951 in Waltham, MA, daughter of Yolanda (Renzella) Santamaria and the late Stephen Santamaria.

Carolyn lived the majority of her life in Waltham, MA and she was a graduate of Waltham High School. Her family owned and operated the Piety Corner Gardens Restaurant on Lexington St, Waltham, MA for many years where Carolyn learned and worked in various capacities in the restaurant business. Her brother, Stephen Santamaria tragically died in an automobile accident and the business was sold shortly after. Carolyn worked as a buyer for the Polaroid Company for 10 years and then 5 years with a pharmaceutical company. She lived 24 amazingly happy years in Danville, NH.

Carolyn was an avid animal lover who often donated to animal organizations. She was also very fond of the military veterans and would often donate to various military organizations.

Carolyn was an amazing cook. Her hobbies included drawing, playing the drums, shooting her gun and skeet shooting. She was a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox and Big Papi. Carolyn was a lover of life who appreciated mostly spending time with her family. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by Bernadette Ruggiero and Cody Ruggiero, her mother, Yolanda Santamaria, niece, Leighanne Bell and her husband, Richard, 3 grandnieces, Christina Bell, Shannon Bell, and Stefani Bell, sister-in-law, Dawna Santamaria, and other extended family of Ruggiero’s and Butler’s including, Jerry and Rose Ruggiero, Anthony Ruggiero, Bernadette Butler, Greg and Erin Butler and niece, Courtney Butler.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Pasta Loft in Hampstead, NH for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the NH SPCA, PO Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885 or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.