Auburn – Edith Emily DeSantis, 89, a resident at Clover Manor in Auburn, died March 31.

Born in Newark, N.J., on Jan. 2, 1918, to Ettore and Arminda (Ilaria) D’Amato, she was one of nine children. She learned the art of nurturing from her own mother. She left high school to work as a seamstress in a clothing factory.

In 1941, she married Joseph DeSantis. They raised three children while living in Irvington, N.J., then later in Springfield, N.J. She was a devoted wife and mother. Her children grew up in a home that was the hub for neighborhood children. A beautiful woman known for her quick insight and generosity, she made a lasting impression in all those that met her. Over the years, she was able to cope with the hardships that life sent her way because of her great inner strength and faith in God.

After becoming a widow 34 years ago, she managed to create a life for herself through thrift and an independent spirit. She moved to California for several years and then to Florida. She loved gardening and cooking, and had a sense of elegance. Spending time with family and friends was always a priority.

The past four- and-a-half years she lived at Clover Manor where she was tended by a very caring and attentive staff as she struggled with Alzheimer’s.

She leaves a daughter, Linda Pomerantz of Auburn; a granddaughter, Sandra Pomerantz of Waltham, Mass.; a son, Michael DeSantis and his wife, Kathy, of Sacramento, Calif.; two sisters, Dora Greenwood of Lakewood, N.J., and Gilda Perry and her husband, Edward, of Brick, N.J.; she also leaves three brothers, Armand D’Amato and his wife, Antoinette, of Long Island, N.Y., Michael Dainer and his wife, Julia, of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Albert D’Amato and his wife, Marie, of Alpharetta, Ga.; two sisters-in-law, Louisa D’Amato and Teodora D’Amato of New Jersey; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph, in 1973; her son, Joseph Jr., in 2000; a sister, Antoinette Ruland; and two brothers, Dante and Alphonse D’Amato.