Eleanor McAllister

Kiki was born in El Paso, Texas on August 14, 1944 to Enrique and Helen Santamaria. She graduated from Loretto Academy in 1961. After graduation Kiki moved to France working as an English tutor and studying at the University of Dijon. Two years later she moved to Madrid, Spain where she met the love of her life, Stuart. In 1966 Kiki and Stuart returned to the United States to Fort Dix, New Jersey where they started their family. From there they moved to Columbus, Ohio and later to Lakewood, Ohio in 1978. They left Lakewood in 1993 and relocated to Hendersonville, North Carolina, where they would call home for 24 years.

Kiki worked in retail for many years starting at Horne’s Department Store, then Dillard’s Department Store, and finally at Shelley’s Jewelry. After her husband’s death in 2013, Kiki moved to Raleigh, North Carolina to join her sister and brother-in-law. She was a devout member of the community of St.Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Raleigh and served as a Hospitality Minister. Kiki loved classical music and was an avid fan of her beloved Cleveland Guardians, Browns, Cavaliers, and the Carolina Hurricanes.

Kiki is survived by her loving children, Stuart Edward McAllister of Las Vegas, NV, Patrick Jay McAllister of Lakewood, OH, and Teresa Henderson (Roy) of Hendersonville, NC; her precious one and only granddaughter, Sophie Henderson; brothers and sisters Sister Helen Santamaria, Sister-in-law Rita Santamaria, Annie Santamaria Slenker (Bill), Eddie Santamaria, Cece Santamaria Neal (Ray), Steven Santamaria (Isha), Mary Santamaria Cockrill (Mike), and Michael Santamaria (Maria Fernanda); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kiki was preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 years, Stuart Douglas McAllister; parents Enrique and Helen Santamaria; brother Rick Santamaria; and nephew Michael Andrew Santamaria.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 11:00am in the St. Mary of Angles Chapel at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Raleigh, with Monsignor Clay presiding.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11401 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, North Carolina 27613, links to each charity are below, under 'Donations'.

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