Josephine Santangelo, 96, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on January 11, 2022 at Elderwood at Wheatfield.  Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Angeline (Lioi) Spendio.

Josephine was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School.  On April 27, 1946, she married John Santangelo at St. Joseph's Church.  Mr. Santangelo predeceased her on January 26, 2011.

From the time she was a young child she was always fascinated by brides.  If she attended a wedding, she would follow the bride around all night.  Shortly after her marriage she began to make her dream come true. Josephine and John went to New York City with very little money and no business experience. They tried to buy gowns to open their store.  They were turned down and advised to go home and come back in a few years . That advice was not taken and they returned to Niagara Falls and started their business, Tattler's Lane Bridal Shop. It became one of the longest running local businesses in Niagara Falls from 1947 to 2015. Her dedication to her brides was legendary. She made each one feel special and beautiful. She loved going to work each day and had a special knack for helping brides choose just the right dress.  Her generosity, compassion and empathy were inspiring. Without exception she would make sure that her customers got what they needed whether they could afford it or not.

However, her greatest joy in life was being with her family. She had very special relationships with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In recent years her great grandchildren brought her so much love and joy. They visited often, had long conversations and laughed and sang together. Family was everything to her. She always made you feel special and her unconditional love and encouragement was such a great gift to all of us. She loved to cook, bake and have holidays where we could all be together. Those special times will never be forgotten.

Josephine was one of the founding members of the Guild of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. In addition, she was a longtime member of the Pine Avenue Business Association from which she received various awards.

Josephine is survived by her children, Linda Koester, John (Mary) Santangelo, and Donna M. Witkowski; her grandchildren, Stephen (Brittany) Witkowski, Kristen (Joe) Hescox, Christian (Kristi) Santangelo, Shannon Santangelo, Jonathan (Lauren) Santangelo, Ashley Santangelo, and Michael Santangelo; her great-grandchildren, Cole, Carter, Spencer, Peyton, Lily, Stephen, Jacob, and Savannah; her brother, Michael (Donna) Spendio, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.  In addition to her husband of 65 years, she was predeceased by her son, Michael Santangelo, and her siblings, Frank (late Mary) Spendio, Mary (late Fred) Pascuzzi, and Sylvia (late Tom) Amantia.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 14 from 3 – 8 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304.  Josephine's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday January 15 at 11:30 AM at Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.  Everyone please assemble at church.  Entombment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY.   If desired, memorial offerings may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN, 38105 or to Wings Flights of Hope, 3964 California Road, Orchard Park, NY 14127.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.