Dora P. Santiago

Dora P. Santiago, 97, of Englewood, passed away June 10, 2014.

Dora is survived by four children, William F. Santiago, Lucy Santiago, Gerard A. (Mary) Santiago, and David L. Santiago; 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband of 55 years, Octavio Santiago, and three siblings, Carlos, Eduardo, and Bertha.

Our mother was born to Jesus and Elvira Perez on October 29, 1916, in San Antonio, TX. She was the eldest of four children, all of whom have preceded her in death. She attended Edgar Allen Poe High School, but was forced to drop out in 10th grade to find work, in order to help her parents make ends meet. She met the love of her life in high school before dropping out. They dated for 8 years and married August 6, 1939 in San Antonio, Tx. She attended Draughn's Business College where she studied shorthand and typing.

She loved working. Her first full time job was at St. John's Catholic Church, San Antonio, Tx where she was the church secretary for 10 years. She was proud to work for a Monsignor. She also worked for a CPA for 10 years, an attorney for 3 years and a charitable organization for 2 yrs. She learned round and square dancing and made her own skirts. She also quilted blankets for her family, loved gardening, crossword puzzles, and natural healing remedies. For many years she hosted a St. Patrick's Day party at her house where she cooked Corned Beef and Cabbage and many trimmings. She volunteered at the Senior Citizen Center for many years where she was teaching Spanish, and was about to teach Ballroom Dancing, when she got sick. She stopped volunteering at age 86.

She will be missed very much by her family, as she was the Matriarch. She loved her faith deeply and held onto it through the very last moment. We very much appreciate Brother Mel's visits and prayers, and sincerely thank and appreciate Dolores Sandoval for all the time she spent praying with us, the food she brought to sustain us and her nursing care to make sure our Mom was comfortable. We also appreciate the care and concern provided to us by Porter/St Anthony Hospice.

We would also like to thank Deacon Don and Fr. Alberto for arranging the service, the Mary's for all of their prayers and thoughtful notes, and the Eucharistic Ministers for their kindness and for bringing Holy Communion to Mom for several years.

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