Paula Santiago, age 77, of Ocala, Florida passed away on Thursday January 31, 2019. Paula was born September 28, 1941 to parents Christino Santiago and Juana Flores in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico.
Paula was a caring, giving, and loving person. Despite any hardship in her life she found a way to smile and laugh and be happy – she was the silver lining of other peoples clouds. She was a joyful person, energetic, and always outgoing. She would take family in no matter what was going on – family was family and family was the most important thing to her. She was the core of her family – their strength – she supported them and helped them always. She was a great cook – when she was younger she was always in the kitchen and her family loved visiting and eating and being with her there. The food was already ready – always.
She celebrated her faith by worshipping at St. Jude Catholic Church of Marion Oaks. She loved to go to church, to get dressed, to participate, and to feel the spirit there. She showed her Catholic faith by serving everyone – when you were sick, she was the one you went to for daily care. She was kind and generous.
Paula is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Wilson Santiago; and her sister Aida Santiago-Casiano.
Paula is survived by her daughters, Carmen Marrero and Elizabeth (husband Archie) Roman-Gunter ; and her son, Jose (wife Yesenia) Casillas. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her sisters Mery, Carlina, and Delma, and Guiller; her brother Edwin; and many nieces, nephews, and other family. She will also be missed by many friends.
Services will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 5740 South Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34480 starting with a gathering of family and friends for Paula on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 12pm followed by a funeral services from 1pm to 2pm. Immediately following the funeral services Paula will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.