Ortensia "Toodles" "Toodles" Santos

On January 16, 1927 Toodles was born in Little Italy. She was the third and last child of Federico and Amelia Marline. She was very proud of her Italian heritage. The close knit Italian community was the hub of her life for many years. Her family enjoyed hearing stories of her childhood escapades. To punish her for talking too much a teacher at Washington School locked her in the cloakroom and forgot about her until Toodles mother came looking for her. As a child she enjoyed the old radio shows of the day, and marveled at the futuristic world portrayed in comic books. She helped the family make wine by stomping grapes, and she danced the jitter-bug until her legs were so sore it was hard to walk up the steps to the front door. She attended Roosevelt Jr. High and graduated from San Diego High in 1945.

After graduation she worked at Convair in the parts department. While attending the wedding of a friend she met a young man in a tailor-made Navy uniform. His name was Anthony Santos and they would be married in July of 1947. In October of 1948 they welcomed their first daughter Antoinette, better known as Toni Ann, and in May of 1952 they had their second daughter Marlene. Anthony and Toodles would be married for 65 years until her death.

Anthony was a fisherman for many years, and later worked for Scripps Institution of Oceanography. While he was at sea Toodles was head of the household. As fishing could be unpredictable she often worked in addition to taking care of the girls. Her favorite jobs were working at Sportsman's Seafoods, Zolezzi's on India St. and cooking for patients and their families at Rancho Bernardo Convalescent Hospital. She was adamant that the food she served be tasteful and hot!

In her spare time she enjoyed picnics at Lake Murray with friends and family. She was always an avid reader. She also liked puzzles, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

She was blessed with three grandchildren, Anthony, Elizabeth and Jessica and great-grandson Alex.

Even though she had some health issues the last few years of her life her spirit was good and she never lost her spunk.

Memorial Contributions to be sent to St. Martin of Tours Academy Tution Assistants 7708 El Cajon Blvd. La Mesa, CA 91942.

SANTOS, ORTENSIA "TOODLES" Born in Little Italy in 1927. Preceded in death by grandson Anthony Mazzara. Survived by husband Anthony, daughters Toni Mazzara, Marlene Gilman, granddaughters Elizabeth and Jessica and great-grandson Alex Mazzara. Mass Wednesday, May 23rd at 5:00 p.m. St. Martin of Tours, La Mesa, CA.