Rosa Maria Santiago

Rosa Maria Santiago, 67, departed this Earth surrounded by her children and grandchildren on August 1, 2024. She fought hard for six weeks while encountering new challenges resulting from her disease, ANCA Vasculitis. Despite these challenges, she gave everything she had on a daily basis with her family by her side, taking shifts so she was never alone. She faced this disease as she faced life, with a devout stoicism that exemplified what it meant to truly live and how to love her family and friends. Though her body gave everything it had to reverse her condition, her mind never wavered and focused on getting healthy again to be with her family. We find solace in the fact that she was welcomed with open arms by those who preceded her in death. She is most likely telling others how to get things done correctly, talking about walking in the woods, taking photos of the sights, listening to Latin music, and threatening to correct you with a chancleta. Our greatest hope is that she is sharing her vibrant soul and big heart with those around her. Wela was always known to make others feel welcome both in her presence and in her home. Rosa is survived by her two children, David (Heather) Hodge and John (Dana) Hodge. The true loves of her life were her seven grandchildren, Alicia, David, Daphne, Gwyneviere, Barrett, Maxwell, and Athena. It goes without saying that her grandchildren were the greatest loves of her life. Until the next time we see you Wela, te amamos Mama, Tia y Abuela hasta el fin de los tiempos! Rosa is preceded in death by her father, Eladio Santiago; one sister, Gloria (Santiago) Bryant; one brother, Reuben Santiago; her eldest son, Edward Stanley Hodge II; and one nephew, Joshua Montero. A special thank you to the nurses and medical providers from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and Big Bend Hospice for their care and compassion towards our mother. ANCA Vasculitis is an insidious disease that affects every organ system of the body and is heartbreaking to the family that must watch their loved one’s condition worsen over time. A memorial service will be held at 10:00-11:00 AM on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Lifesong Funeral Home, 20 South Duval Street, Quincy, FL. Flowers are appreciated or you can donate to Big Bend Hospice (https://bigbendhospice.charityproud.org/Donate) or to the Vasculitis Foundation (https://www.vasculitisfoundation.org). We simply ask that donations be made in her name. Thank you and God bless you and your families.

Rosa Maria Santiago

May 26, 1957 - August 1, 2024