Santa Bayt

Santa Bayt, 94, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on January 11 in the company of her beloved family.

Santa was born on July 27, 1922 and grew up in the Italian neighborhood on the south side of Indianapolis as a member of Holy Rosary Parish. She was the oldest of five children born to Antonia and Demetrio Constantino. She was predeceased by her siblings, Anthony, Concetta (Jay), Mary Nancy, and Margaret Ann. Santa graduated from St. Mary's Academy. She operated a produce stand at the historic City Market for many years, first with her father and mother, and for many years, with her sisters.

She met the love of her life, Henry, at a USO dance at the Indiana Roof Ballroom and they shared 63 happy years of marriage until his death in 2014. She is survived by her sons and daughters, Phillip L. Bayt ( Bonnie Gallivan), Demetrio Bayt (Terri), Tony Bayt, Jack Bayt (Rosemarie), Antonia Zunarelli (Roberto), Hank Bayt, Mary Bayt (Jeff), Mike Bayt, Mary Anne Hawkins (Tom Sarfaty), Toni Short (Frank Short), Theresa Mascari (Mike), Concetta DeFabis (Philip), Jack Hawkins (Angie), Hazel Lorah, Betty McColgan (Gary), and Gina Battiston (John). Santa is also survived by her neices and nephews, Daniel Constantino (Susan), Antoinette Martin (Tim), and Patricia Borzabadi (Eddie), who looked up to her as a second mother. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Catherine Judson (Will), Constantina Bayt, Paul and Demi Bayt, Gina Glas (Grant), Lucia and Jack Bayt, Julian and Nadia Zunarelli, Carmela Verderame, Nick (Chelsea), Antonia and Concetta Mascari, Tom Short, Concetta, Christina and Luke Lorah, Jack Hawkins Jr., Lauren McColgan, Gabriella, Isabella and Zach Battiston and three great grandchildren, Gianna and Isabella Mascari, and Madeleine Glas.

Santa's home was always a welcoming place for a meal and advice. Many family and friends gathered weekly for simple meals of homemade pasta and bread. Hers was the neighborhood table.

Santa was the matriarch of a large, wonderful, complicated extended Italian American family and cared for several generations with guidance that was always clear and true. She was devoted to making each one in her care a better person and she set an example in her words, her deeds, and her faith every day.

She was recognized as the Alumna of the year by St. Mary's Academy Alumnae Association and recently by the City Market as a pioneering example of the entrepreneurial spirit exemplified by so many first generation immigrants who made a meaningful contribution to our city through their good work.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 13, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Roch Catholic Church, 3600 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN 46227. Visitation will be at Daniel F. O'Riley Funeral Home, 6107 South East Street (US Hwy 31 South), Indianapolis on Thursday, January 12, 2017 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. where prayers will be said on Friday at 10 a.m. prior to Mass. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery on South Meridian Street. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Roch Church, Riley Children's Hospital or the World Arnold Chiari Malformation Association. Online condolences may be shared with the family at orileyfuneralhome.com.