Carol A. (Wiskowski) Santa

FRIENDS OF CAROL SANTA ARE INVITED TO A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL IN HOLY SEPULCHER CHURCH, GLADE MILLS ON THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023 AT 10:00 AM. THE FAMILY WILL GREET FRIENDS FOLLOWING THE MASS.

Sunrise:  January 05, 1941           Sunset:  July 5, 2023

Polish Hill native, Carol A Wiskowski Santa, of Valencia, departed this life unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 5th at 10:20 PM at UPMC Passavant Hospital surrounded by her family.  Carol was 82 years old.

The daughter of Helen and Pete Wiskowski, and sibling to Jack (who proceeded her in death), Carol, in her early years, was a talented artist.  She painted many ceramic family heirlooms that have survived today, including a collection of Santa Clauses from around the world.  An artistic force in the family, she was also a skilled cross stitcher and lover of Santa Clauses.  Carol made many cross-stitch Santa Claus projects and framed pieces.  Additionally, Carol was a Master Ukrainian Pysanky Egg Crafter.  Her love of art and working with her hands was cultivated early and followed her throughout her life.  When Carol wasn’t being artistic, “Mumsie”, as she was affectionately known, was also an avid enthusiast of antiques and collectibles.  She was most proud of her Matushka display and other beloved items. 

Carol loved to garden and feed wild birds.  She enjoyed sitting in a chair and watching the bluebirds.  She would get so excited when the bluebirds would come to the feeder as if it was her first time seeing them. It was a joy in her world!  The joy of nature and its beauty fueled her daily life.

In 1965, Carol married the love of her life, Joe, “Bud” Santa.  Their love affair lasted for 51 years until Bud passed in 2016.  They had a beautiful family and raised Joe, Holly Ann, and C. Jay to be wonderful people.  Carol’s energetic nature, vibrant personality, and wittiness are all characteristics of her children.  She loved her family, and they loved her. 

Carol put others before herself and she cared for people how and wherever she could.  She was always very supportive of her friends and family.  She took care of Bud till the very end and didn’t complain or ask for much help.  She wanted to care for him.  It was her act of love.  But that love didn’t stop there.  Carol is known for being a great friend over the years.  It is a common comment.  She left her mark on being there or others and putting them first – friends and family.  It is a part of her legacy.

After Bud’s passing, Carol became very active in various social clubs and organizations. She was a member of several clubs including card club, dominoes, bunco, pool, and a civil war group.  Carol was the Vice President of the Mars Women’s Club and was a Life and Charter member of the Mars Historical Society.  She never stopped and continued to contribute to her community.

Carol is survived by her three children Joe (Kim), Holly Ann (Jym), and C. Jay (Chris), and many friends.  She will truly be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to the Stormy Oak Nature Conservancy-Wildbird Recovery at 120 Forsythe Road, Valencia, PA  16059, https://www.wildbirdrecovery.org/.  Burial will be in Mars Cemetery, Adams Twp. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Avenue, Mars, PA and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.