Audrey passed from our midst to eternal life of April 14, 2007 surrounded by her loving family and friends. There was a public viewing at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Worcester followed by a funeral Mass on April 18. 2007. Subsequently, there was a private burial at New Notre Dame Cemetery in Worcester. Since 2008, every year the Santo family and the Foundation marks this anniversary with a special Mass. In 2020, the Mass had been scheduled for the Cathedral of Saint Paul with Bishop McManus, but was postponed given the circumstances of the COVID-`19 emergency. This Mass will be rescheduled at another time.
On August 9, 1987, Audrey was discovered face down in the backyard swimming pool of her family's house. Rushed to a local hospital, and transferred to another one, the decision was made to provide her with phenobarbitol. Sadly she was given an adult dosage, which permanently damaged her fine motor skills and left her silent for the remainder of her life. Each year since then, her family has remembered this anniversary with a special Mass. This is usually held under the tent behind the Foundation House. The date and place for this year's Eucharistic celebration is still pending given the restrictions for large gatherings in Massachusetts as part of the previous shut down. Please check here closer to the the date for a decision regarding the date and location for this anniversary Mass.
Audrey Marie Santo was born in Worcester in the middle of a snowstorm on December 19, 1983. Each year, even in her limited capacity, her family has celebrated her life with joyful appreciation. Since she has left us, a Mass is celebrated near this date to honor the gift of her life among us. For the last couple of years, this Mass has been celebrated in her parish church, Christ the King in Worcester. A date and place is pending while we await guidelines from the state on larger social groups. Please return here for details in the near future.