We celebrate the life of Santa Torres Meléndez 100 years and 4 months from Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, who calmly and peacefully went to be with her creator and her savior, on July 5, 2023. Santa died around her 8 beloved children, her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who loved her, snuggled, and subtly whispered in her ear constantly how much they loved her, until she took her last breath.
She was born on March 4, 1923, the daughter of the late Ramon Torres of Villalba, Puerto Rico and Francisca Melendez of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico.
She was married to her loving late husband, Carlos Manuel Santiago who fathered 10 children: Onélida Santiago, Myrna I. Roche, Lucy Santiago-Dzurik,
Carlos Manuel Santiago, Jr. (Deceased), Gilberto Santiago, Maribel De Gonzalez (Deceased), Luis A. Santiago, Iván Santiago, Minerva Santiago-Torres, and Edwin Santiago.
Her 10 children gifted her with 35 grandchildren: Sherry L Santiago, Jorge A. Santiago, Shirley L. Boyles, Sharon Santiago, Israel Roche, Leivy L. Roche, Iradly Roche, Ketsy Roche, Betsy Roche, Bridgette L. Santiago , Leo D. Then, Carlos Santiago Jr., Kristy Santiago, Cyndi Santiago, Viviana Santiago, Iliana Santiago, Amanda Santiago, Ingrid Santiago, Aileen Santiago, Gilberto Santiago Jr., Gilmarie Santiago, Kimberly Berrios, Luis A. Santiago, Joel D. Santiago, Kenny D. Santiago, Carlos Jonathan Santiago, Ishah Santiago, Jonathan Santiago, Carlos Ivan Santiago, Jennifer Perinchief, Luis A, Torres Jr., Desiree Torres, Natasha Torres, Nexayra Santiago, Edwin Llorenz Santiago. Her 35 grandchildren crowned her, fathering over 100 great grandchildren and 10 great- great grandchildren. Santa is survived by her two sisters, Elisa Torres and Genoveva Torres.
Santa Torres lived an exemplary life before all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and before his community. They called her “Santa” twice, “Santa” for her formal name and for living a “Holy” life, dedicated to God’s business and to her children. She was a virtuous woman, fearful of God, and sublime to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
She was the heroine of our family nucleus, strong in character, strong in spirit and humble. Her value greatly surpassed that of precious stones. She extended her hand to the needy and reached out to the destitute. She visited the sick in hospitals and as a chaplain she visited young people in prison. The young people affectionately called her “abuelita.”
We celebrate and conclude the life of our mother Santa Torres with deep feelings. We feel sad that she will no longer be with us, but we also celebrate her because we know for sure that one day, we will see her again in heaven.
Dear Mother, you have won the great battle, you have finished the race, you have kept your faith. For the rest, the crown of justice is kept for you, which the Lord, the just Judge, will give you. Rest in Peace, Dear Mother!
With Much Love, Your Children