Abels, Ann Mary V. Santilli, Age: 55, Jersey City

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On Friday, April 21, Ann, beloved daughter, sister, teacher, mother, animal advocate, wife and friend to all, answered God’s call. This calling ended a two-year battle with a dreaded lung disease. She was 55. Ann was born on April 1, 1962 to Antonio Santilli and Immacolata (Mesere) in Jersey City. She grew up there, became a teacher and served the children of Jersey City. She moved to Montreal, Canada, for her first marriage.

Following her divorce she returned to live with her parents, as a single mother, now in Middletown, and returned to teaching in Jersey City. She eventually moved out on her own with her daughter, Anissa, to Highlands, where she met her husband, Alan Abels. Following the marriage, she and her daughter moved to Brick Township to live with her husband. All this time she continued to teach in Jersey City. She then was offered a leadership position at the Board office and only accepted it after she could see that rather than impact 25 kids each year, she would be impacting 28 or more times 25. There was nothing she enjoyed more than baking goodies for her family, friends and coworkers.

Ann is survived by her loving parents, Anthony and Immacolata Santilli; a brother, Robert Santilli and his wife Zorelys DeGennaro; a daughter, Anissa Santilli-Marcone; her husband, Alan Abels; and several nieces and nephews as well as countless extended family members in the US, Canada and Italy.

A funeral mass is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 27 at St. Mary, Mother of God Church (the old church), 26 Leonardville Rd., Middletown. Anyone wishing to share their memories, are invited to Ann’s house, 180 Manorside Dri., Brick, following the service. Ann requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc. 364 Parker Rd, Lyerly, GA 30730. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.jerseyshorecremation.com. Jersey Shore Cremation Service, Manasquan, is in charge of arrangements.