Marie Santoro

Marie Santoro, née Caruso, devoted mother, beloved sister, and cherished member of Chicago’s Ukrainian Village community, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, at Alexian Brothers Hospice. Born on March 13, 1941, in Chicago, IL, Marie’s life was marked by her steadfast dedication to family, her resilient spirit, and her deep ties to the neighborhood she loved so dearly.

Marie and her late husband, Joseph “Peppe” Santoro, were the heart and soul behind “Peppe’s” Hot Dog Stand, a well-known fixture in the Ukrainian Village. For decades, Marie drove daily from the suburbs to the city, rain or shine, to uphold the family business. She worked six days a week, from opening until closing, and became a revered—if sometimes feared—presence in the neighborhood. Known for her no-nonsense attitude, one memorable evening she confronted a would-be robber with fearless defiance, refusing to give up a single dime while retaining the man’s dollar with pride. This example of her bravery and quick wit was but one of many stories that encapsulated the grit and courage she carried throughout her life.

A true neighborhood girl to the end.  Outside the hustle of daily work, she found joy and creativity in ceramics during her younger years, gifting beautiful handmade pieces to loved ones on special occasions. Her passion for cultivating a vibrant garden reflected her nurturing nature, as she spent countless hours tending to flowers that brightened her surroundings.

Marie’s fierce love for her family was unparalleled. Her proudest accomplishment was her children, who were the center of her world. She was devoted to their happiness and safety, offering unconditional love and support through all of life’s challenges. She is survived by her children Dina (Jim) Wool, Anthony (Lisa) Santoro, and Maria (Paul) Nikolaou; grandchildren Joseph Santoro, Patrick Wool (fiancé Meg), Julia Kruszewski (Alex), Anthony Wool, Sean Wool, Teresa Wool, Francesca Wool, Peter Wool, Lucia Wool, Michael Wool; and great-grandchildren Beckett and Asher Kruszewski. Her siblings Frances (John) Adreani, Peter (Therese) Caruso, Anne Caruso, and James Caruso, also survive her. Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph “Peppe” Santoro, and her parents, Yolanda and James “Jimmy” Caruso.

Marie possessed a personality as bold and unwavering as her actions. Those who knew her remember her as fearless, tough, and incredibly hardworking—qualities that only deepened the immense love she held for her family. She was a cornerstone to those she cared for, always ready to share strength and support.

The family will receive friends and loved ones during visitation on Wednesday March 25, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Salerno's Rosedale Chapels, located at 450 W Lake St, Roselle, IL. A viewing will follow at St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 551 N Rush St, Itasca, IL, on March 26, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., and a Mass in her honor will be celebrated immediately after, at 11:00 a.m. The final service will conclude at noon.

Marie’s passing was surrounded by family and prayer, a peaceful and beautiful farewell befitting a woman whose life was so deeply interwoven with love, courage, and community. Her legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched and the family she nurtured with unwavering devotion. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.