In the early evening of last night, community advocate and animal lover Tina Louise Santo passed away after a brave fight for life that began with a tragic accident in a parking lot. The Coram‑area resident, known for her caring heart and advocacy for animals and people alike, succumbed to injuries sustained when she was struck by a vehicle and pinned between two cars at a shopping center in Lake Grove.
From the outset, Tina’s accident was devastating. According to posts on social‑media pages, first responders used the Jaws of Life to rescue her from between the vehicles. She remained on life support in critical condition until late last night, when her family made the heartbreaking choice to let her go. The community now mourns the loss of someone beloved far and wide.
Born and raised in New York, Tina went to Herricks High School and then studied at SUNY Buffalo before beginning her career in travel consulting at Blue Ribbon Travel in Stony Brook, after earlier work at Personal Travel. The same dedication she brought to her profession mirrored her life’s passion: caring for others and advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves.
What truly defined Tina was her love for animals. She was the caretaker of nine cats who relied on her every day, and in the wake of her passing her circle is encouraging adoption of her furry companions so that her legacy of love doesn’t end. Posts in rescue‑networks appeared with pleas for “furrever” homes for her cats, continuing the mission she held dear.
Friends and family remember her as the kind of person who would brighten any room she walked into, who offered compassion and unwavering support during hard times. Whether advocating for someone in need or feeding and protecting stray animals, Tina made a difference at ground level and through simple daily acts of empathy. Her presence was a reminder that genuine caring matters.
Although her life ended far too soon, Tina’s influence stretches beyond those who knew her personally. Her advocacy and spirit have inspired others in communities around Coram, Stony Brook and beyond to pick up the torch of compassion she carried. In the face of this sorrow, many are reflecting on kindness, mercy, and the quiet power of giving.
Tonight, as the community gathers in remembrance, Tina Louise Santo’s life will be honored not for its length, but for its depth: for the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the work she did in honor of both people and animals. Her legacy will live on in the cats she loved, the hearts she lifted, and the community she helped shape.
