Ana Hilda Santiago

Ana was born in Arroyo, Puerto Rico, the eldest of four to Margarita Santiago and Isabelino Reyes. Her youth was spent on the beautiful island, which she loved dearly. She also loved her siblings, Pajita, Eva Luz, and Jose Diego immensely. Many times Ana recounted her youthful adventures on the lovely beaches of Arroyo where she prepared crab stew for her village. She met tragedy early in her youthful marriage when she lost her fourth-born baby boy, Albertito, to a childhood disease. Ana cherished learning and was curious about nature and its wonderous beauty. In the mid 1950s, she embarked on her journey to the U.S. mainland in search of better opportunities for her initial family of three, Jose Antonio, Luis Angel and Ana Maria. Arriving in upstate New York, Ana entered the agricultural sector, mastering the art of rose grafting—she could make a rosebush bloom in many resplendent colors! Next, Ana moved with her family, which had expanded to include Marylou and Margie, to join her beloved sister Eva Luz in Boston. Here Ana’s family continued to grow to include Fred Douglas and Hilda. For the most part, Ana raised her children as the single head of her family, loving them dearly, yet sternly. She continued to develop her love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. Ana became more devout in her Christian beliefs and actions as she grew older. The values she instilled in her children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren are her legacy. Those values focused on honesty, reality-checking, and striving for the best, continue to serve her family well. Ana was also loved by her many nieces and nephews—the children of her much-loved sisters and brother. Overtime, Ana assumed the mantle of Matriarch of her extensive family clan in Boston, MA and Arroyo, Puerto Rico. She was loved and respected by her family and demanded respect from all those she related with. Ana was loved and will be truly missed. Her legacy will carry on.