Marie "Ree Ree" Santos, 60, of Perth Amboy, NJ passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025 at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ. She was born in Perth Amboy on July 2, 1964 and lived there before moving to Point Pleasant, NJ over 30 years ago.

For over fifteen years, Marie was owner and operator of Hy Tavern ("The Little Bar") right in her home town of Perth Amboy.

Ree was very passionate about doing the right thing.  She took in "strays," cats and sometimes people. She hated bigotry, prejudice and a certain politician.

She was especially proud of her daughter Chelsea and her many talents.   Although Chelsea was the light of her life, she was a mom and friend to her nieces and nephews.  Aunt "Ree Ree" was the favorite and the most fun.  She loved music and the beach. Ree could be found at the beach every day through the summer.

Her faith in God was a very important part of her life.  She loved to go to church on Sunday and then have brunch with "her" Eddie as part of their Sunday ritual.  They looked forward to their down time with each other.

Marie was predeceased by her mother Lorrie (Barrett) Hermann, her father Gary Hermann, and her sister, Sister Sharon Santos.

She is survived by her husband Edwardo "Eddie" Cancel, her daughter Chelsea Saada; her two sisters, Lori Jeffries and Shirley Meigh; her two brothers, Victor Santos and John Santos, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will take place on Monday, January 13, 2025 from 3:00pm - 7:00pm at Flynn & Son/Mitruska Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords. A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00am on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at St. Martha's RC Church, 3800 Herbertsville Rd., Point Pleasant. Everyone is asked to please meet directly at the church for the funeral. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Perth Amboy.