Miriam A. (O'Connell) Santilli of Melrose, died on Friday, January 29, 2010 at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital. She was 83 years of age. Born on February 20, 1926 in Melrose to the late Edward & Marion (Keenan) O'Connell, she was raised in Melrose and a 1943 graduate of St. Mary's High School. She earned her B.S. in Science from Emmanuel College of Boston, was a Biology Major, the corresponding Secretary for her class of 1947 and remained very active with her Alumni of the school. Miriam enjoyed knitting, cooking, reading, writing limericks, all 14 of her grandchildren, Cape Cod, cross word puzzles and the Wheel of Fortune. She was a devoted member of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church of Wakefield, a CCD teacher, a substitute teacher for the City of Melrose, a member of the Polymnia Choral Society of Melrose and an advocate for the "Right to Life"; However, she will always be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, someone who loved her neighbors and had a kind word for everyone. Miriam was the beloved wife of the late Chester W. Santilli, with whom they shared 49 years of marriage. She was the loving mother of Paul Santilli & his wife Kristine of Niskayuna, NY, Mary Strunk of Stoneham, Joan Forrest & her late husband Edward of Groveland, Donna Suchcicki & her husband Al of East Longmeadow, Carol Powalisz & her husband Richard of Reading. Cherished grandmother of Tom Santilli, Brian & Colleen Strunk, Elizabeth Nersinger & her husband Charles, Karen, Edward & Laura Forrest, Danielle Currier & her husband Paul, David, Katelyn & Peter Suchcicki, Jason Powalisz, Kathryn Polcari & her husband David, & Jeffrey Powalisz. Also survived by many cousins. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Tues. February 2nd at 9AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Miriam's honor at the Most Blessed Sacrament Church 1155 Main St., Wakefield at 10AM. Family & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours Monday, February 1st 4-8PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Memorial contributions in Miriam's memory may be made to the Emmanuel College General Fund 400 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115 or the Sisters of Social Services 296 Summit Ave., Buffalo, NY 14214. For directions, flowers or to sign guest book, please visit www.gatelyfh.com