Santina C. Wurz

Santina Cecelia “Sandy” Wurz, 94, of Utica, went to be with our Lord in the comfort of her home, with her family by her side, on May 11, 2026.

Sandy was one of three siblings born to Giovanni and Carmella (Rugare) Zangrone of Utica, NY. Santina graduated from Utica Catholic Academy with a Regents Diploma. She worked for over 25 years for General Electric as a buyer, one of the first women to do so. While she was proud to do “a man’s job,” as it was said at the time, she always kept a sense of humor, slipped into her pumps each day, and stayed true to her goal of becoming the best buyer in the company. She achieved that goal. She carried that same momentum into every aspect of her life.

Sandy was also an expert cook, much like her mother, who died when Santina was only 7 years old. She prepared countless Italian and American dishes for friends, family, and all who entered her home. Everyone left with a full and happy stomach. Her Christmas cookies were legendary, as she made hundreds upon hundreds during the holiday season. Food was her love language, and ensuring those she loved were well-fed was deeply important to her.

Santina was always very athletic. She was the captain of her high school cheerleading squad and an avid water skier and tennis player. She was fiercely competitive and wanted to beat anyone she encountered in a sport or game of skill. Sandy was incredibly kind and generous and would have given her left arm to family and friends if they needed it. Santina loved music and dancing. She and her husband, Theodore, would “cut a rug” with their expert rendition of the Jitterbug whenever they went out celebrating.

Santina and Theodore R. Wurz, Sr., were united in marriage in 1950 and shared over 70 wonderful years. Santina had four children and was a true Tiger Mom. God help the person, or persons, who tried to make her children’s or grandchildren’s lives difficult. Santina had a direct line to God through her strong Catholic faith and unwavering prayers. She was the most wonderful mother anyone could ask for.

Sandy’s light will live on through the lessons in love she demonstrated to her family. Her resilience, fighting spirit, hunger for justice, and love for God and family live on in every person who knew and loved her.

It was important to Santina that people knew her story and understood the hardships she endured as a child growing up in an orphanage after the loss of her mother. She never wanted anyone to feel as though they were anything less than the most important person in the world. Even in the face of adversity, she fought to prove herself worthy of every role she took on, and she excelled in every single one.

Her friends and family would like to share a few memories so others may better understand the kind of woman she was. A house was being built next to their property when their son John, being the curious young boy he was, found himself trapped at the bottom of a muddy foundation hole filled with water. Every time he tried to climb out, he slipped back down into the mud. As he frantically called for help, he grew tired and feared he would drown. Moments later, his mother appeared, grabbed his hand, and pulled him out like an angel. She saved his life that day.

Her granddaughter Stacy recalls a story Santina shared about her time in the orphanage. A couple once came to adopt her, and when the nuns informed Sandy, they expected her to be overjoyed. When she learned they could not adopt her sister, Mary, as well, Sandy changed the couple’s minds. She refused to leave her sister behind. From that moment on, she became Mary’s protector.

Her daughter, Mary Rose, would personally like to thank Mom for getting her through the toughest time in her life. Not only did she care for "baby" Mark, but she wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her fighting spirit. Sandy would have traded places in a heartbeat with Mary Rose when she was battling cancer. Thankfully, the battle was won.

Santina was predeceased by her husband, Theodore R. Wurz; her sister, Mary K. Costello, and brother-in-law Richard Costello; her brother, Anthony Zangrone, and sister-in-law Carol Zangrone; her daughter-in-law, Celeste Wurz; her great-grandson, Johnathan Wurz; and her nephew-in-law, Bob Zaloom. She was also predeceased by her dear friends Connie Ryan and Earlene Zinzerling.

Santina is survived by her four children: Theodore J. and Mary Ann Wurz; John M. and Vivian Wurz; Mary Rose Moon; and David A. and Wendy Wurz. Her grandchildren include Theodore (Loretta) Wurz, Thomas (Karen) Wurz, John (Amanda) Wurz, Stacy (Jason) Alamond, Michael (Maria) Wurz, and Mark Malinowski. Four great-grandchildren also survive her. We would also like to recognize a special bond with her niece, Mary Beth, who loved to chat with Mom and even helped Mary Beth bake cherry cookies when it was difficult for Sandy to bake. Her niece, Laura Zaloom, and Laura and Bob’s children, Michael and Rose, shared an incredible bond that will live forever.

Mary Rose would like to thank caregivers, Yvette, Diana, Lori, Destiny, Mbassy, Brandi, and Gema for their loving and compassionate care for our Mom.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday May 18,2026 at 10:00am at the Historic Old Saint John’s Church, 240 Bleecker Street, Utica, NY, preceding mass, the family will receive guest at 9:30am, until the mass service begins. Sandy will then be laid to rest next to her husband at Crown Hill Memorial Park.

Her family kindly ask you to consider contributions in Santina’s memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Sandy and her family are under the care of the Enea-Ciaccia Family Funeral Directors, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion. NY 13357. 315-894-8000

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may do so at www.mohawkvalleyfunerals.com on the internet.