Jennifer Santa Maria McAtee

Jennifer (Santa Maria) McAtee passed away on 1/12/23 after a very short battle with cancer. She was born on 1/13/74 in Voorhees, NJ to Mary and Joseph Santa Maria. Jennifer graduated from the University of Delaware in 1996 with a degree in Political Science, but her passion had always been in education. She enrolled in a specialty program offered at the University of Pennsylvania to become a certified Reading Specialist. Jennifer taught in the Philadelphia, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Florida public school systems as well as at Windermere Preparatory School near Orlando. Jennifer also worked for McGraw- Hill in New York City editing school text books and other educational materials. Teaching young children how to read and working with special needs children is what Jennifer was meant to do. She was proud of the work she did and loved watching her students learn and grow.

Jennifer was an avid dog lover and dog rescuer and would have adopted every shelter dog if she could. She leaves behind 4 “fur-babies” of her own: Pixie, Grace, Jake, and Buster all of whom she loved dearly.

Jennifer is survived by her husband, Benjamin McAtee of Hernando Beach, FL, her parents, Mary and Joseph Santa Maria of Spring Hill, FL, and her 3 siblings: Joe Santa Maria of Rehoboth Beach, DE, Len Santa Maria of Hackettstown, NJ, and Victoria Santa Maria of Annapolis, MD. She is also the beloved aunt of Michael, Anna, and Lauren.

A celebration of life for Jennifer will be held Friday, January 20, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Merritt Funeral Home - Spring Hill Chapel, 4095 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, Florida 34609. Following the celebration of life will be a memorial service at 5:00 PM at Merritt Funeral Home, 4095 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34609.