Tina Marie Santmyer

Tina was born on July 22, 1959, to Wheeler and Evelyn (Timmons) Santmyer and grew up primarily in McLean and Leesburg, graduating from Oldfields School in 1978.

From a young age Tina loved animals, particularly horses, dogs, and cats. Growing up, she found peace and adventure riding her horse George. As an adult, Tina turned her love of dogs into her profession, a dog trainer. She knew how to form special bonds with both dogs and owners alike.

Tina was extremely social and would talk to anything that would listen, often times her cats. Her social nature and fondness for music led to meeting the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Paolicelli. They were married in April 1997. Together they strengthened their dedication to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tina was a loving mother to her son Justice. She would call him many times a week, leaving three-minute-long voicemails when he couldn’t answer.

Tina was predeceased by her parents, Evelyn and Wheeler, her husband Bob, and her brother David Santmyer. She is survived by her son Justice Goracke (Virginia), sisters Sharon Harroun Peirce (Bob) and Kathy Day (David), and her granddaughters Evelyn and Eliza Goracke.

The funeral will be held Sunday, March 2 at National Funeral Home in Falls Church. Visitation at 1pm, service beginning at 2pm, with the burial on site after the service. This will be a joint service with her twin brother, David Santmyer, who passed away on February 4th, 2025. A reception for Tina and David will follow at Mylo’s Grill in McLean.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org) and to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org).

Arrangements under the direction of National Funeral Home, Falls Church, VA.