Sharyn Therese Santel, devoted artist

Sharyn Therese Santel, 78, passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Rehoboth Beach. Born April 8, 1947, in Hoboken, N.J., she lived a life filled with creativity, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the arts and human connection.

Sharyn pursued her academic and professional passions at The New School and Monmouth University, where she earned both a bachelor of science degree and a master’s degree in art therapy. Her dedication to using art as a means of healing reflected her commitment to helping others and understanding the human experience.

A devoted artist, Sharyn expressed herself through color and movement. Her love of history enriched her conversations and broadened her perspective. Embracing spirituality with an open heart and mind, she lived with the free-spirited essence of a true hippy-radiating kindness, acceptance, and love.

She is lovingly remembered by her wife, Mary Ann Slinkman; her daughter, Dawn Tallo and husband Steve Tallo; her son, Scott Penzarella and partner Cristin O'Brien; her grandchildren, Evan Potts and Sarah Potts; her sisters, Carol Lame and husband Richard Lame, and Bonnie Satty and husband Robert Satty; and her brother, Brian Santonello and wife Mona Santonello. Many nephews and nieces also remember her. She now joins her beloved parents, Carmen Santonello and Sarah Santonello.

Sharyn’s legacy lives on in the art she created, the lives she touched through therapy and friendship, and the love she shared so freely. Her presence brought warmth to every space she entered. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.