I will always be grateful to Titi Mayin, (Auntie Mayin), as we called her.  In 1981 she welcomed my mother and her five children into her home as she navigated life as a single mother. You have to have a big heart full of love to take in a sister and her five children. Titi Mayin was a strong woman. So strong that the thought of having her life and privacy disrupted by five young children didn’t even make her blink. I will forever be grateful to her. 

She was funny as well. You would want to have her at a campground around the fire telling you scary stories because she could really scare the bejesus out of you, then quietly walk away laughingly.  

Titi also loved to talk on the phone. Every time we spoke she never failed to talk about her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids with admiration.  She was proud of all of them.

I will always remember her sense of style, but mostly I will always remember that she always wore a smile. Boy, I can still hear her say, “oh my goodness!” but never a bad word. Well, maybe one or two in Spanish if you crossed her. ;) I can honestly say my Titi was a classy lady.

Sometimes, we get pulled away by life and don’t make an effort to pull ourselves back into the circle of those we love so very much, but even if not in person we should always strive to be united in love for one another. I know, she loved us all so very much and she’ll  always be present in our minds and live in our hearts with love, forever. 

No words can express the level of happiness we felt at this moment just being together. These are the times that I will remember. Smiling, laughing, and just enjoying your company. I love you mom!      - Wilson 

Even though I didn’t see you very much I will always remember the love you showed me with all your hugs and kisses. 

When I think of my grandmother and her beautiful smile, I think of a whole lifetime of laughter and love that she gave her family. I think of how every time she gave you a kiss or a hug, and how it was given with so much meaning that it stays with you. The truth is she loved ALL of her children, and grandchildren whole heartedly. At some point or another Mom made you smile, laugh, and always made sure she fed you. My memories as a child are filled with little snips of treats, and kisses. My most memorable time was our trip to Puerto Rico one year for Christmas. It’s because of her gift to my cousin and I that I learned and experienced what a parranda was, heard a coqui in real life, and woke up every morning that trip experiencing a beautiful mountain view. I’m sad that future generations will not experience your love, and watch how you always took great pride in your family, but one thing I know they will see is your smile. From generation to generation, we all have either your beautiful smile or our eyes light up when we are happy. Mom your legacy will live on in each one of your children, grandchildren, and future generations. Thank you for all the tough love, caring love, and happy love you showed us throughout the years. 

I’m going to miss sitting in the kitchen with my grandmother while listening to her gossip about family and singing and dancing to salsa while cooking. She was such a lively, care free spirit that always spoke her mind. I’m going to miss hearing that beautiful, unique laugh of hers that was so infectious you couldn’t help but laugh along with her. Mima was truly one of a kind and will be strongly missed. -Jackie

My fondest memory of mama was getting to stay the night with her by myself and watching sabado gigante and not understanding a thing.  I love you mama

Mom always found time to come see when I was in the worse times in my life. She showed me true love. I will forever miss that. 

My memory of mama was that she was always smiling - Jason  Mendez 

My greatest memory. Sitting down with her on a Sunday & just talking about everything & nothing. Just spending time with her. - Millie 

Words cannot express how much I will miss our quiet moments. Never needing to say anything, nor hugs never needed to be exchanged. Mom it was in our quiet moments that I learned and felt your love for me and how much you treasured our time together. I wish I could have just one more novella, one more smile from across the room, one more moment in time of unconditional love. Until we meet again, I would cherish all of our silent moments, because in those moments I understood and connected with you as a mother and a grandmother and yes a friend. Thank you for these moments, I will cherish them until we meet again.

I always remember her when I hear her favorite song.. Mi viejo San Juan - Jeffery 

My fondest memory of mom was sitting and watching her foreign soap operas with subtitles and her explainig everything that was happening. - Mary

Growing up Sundays were errand days with my mom Mima and Jackie. It was boring stuff but being able to see Mima always sweetened the deal. I’ll miss helping her with all the boring stuff for all the small special moments we had in between. I’ll miss getting my cheeks stained with lipstick from her kisses and laughing with her in the car.  -Brianna 

So many memories that I hold close to me heart! From wearing your heels and trying on all your stuff, eating bowels of your beans  and you kicking my friends out the house! You where always so extra but that’s what I will miss the most. The laughs we shared are priceless memories. With tears rolling down my face I can’t believe you’re gone! You definitely will be missed. I love you Mom!  -Mimi

I will always cherish the times we spent together shopping for bling! I love you mom!   - Gladys 

My most valued memory of mama was after being away from the family for so long she came to pick me up with my mom and welcomed me with open arms! - Jonathan 

I have so many favorite memory's of my mother.. But my all time favorite...
Was looking at her while she smiled..made my heart happy..  -Janet

May she rest in Peace ...my sincere condolences to the Santiago family

Nelsy Gonzalez

Wilson and Maria's Family,


We were so saddened to hear of your mother's passing. Maria was a beautiful, strong woman who loved and adored her family. May she be at peace now and may the perpetual light shine upon her always.  God bless her. ♡♡

My prayers are with the Santiago family. Your Mother will always be in my heart.   She was “always like a Mom” to me for as long as I’ve known her since my teen years. She was beautiful inside & out. 

May she reunite with her husband, her son Angel, family members & friends as she rests in peace.  

Please watch over everyone who loved you. 

🤍✝️🕊
Love,
Donna Bugiel 

OBITUARY

Maria Luisa Santiago

Born SEPTEMBER 2, 1939

Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home

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