Wanda Yvette Santiago

In Loving Memory of Wanda Yvette Santiago

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wanda Yvette Santiago, 58, on February 5, 2025, after a brave five-year battle with cancer. She was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, friend and caregiver.

Born on November 11th, 1966, in New York City to a proud Puerto Rican family, she later moved with her then-husband, Eddie Santiago, to Guam, where they welcomed their first child, Sabrina Santiago. They went on to live in Washington State and then Virginia, where their second child, Jonathan Santiago, was born. Wanda eventually settled in Galloway/Absecon, New Jersey, where she built a beautiful life for herself and her two children. A natural caregiver, she ran a successful babysitting business, worked at Montgomery Ward and later thrived as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), dedicating her life to helping others.

She loved God with all her heart and found strength and peace in her faith. Her church congregation Kingdom Hall welcomed her with open arms and being part of that community was one of the most cherished aspects of her life.

She loved salsa and merengue music, often channeling the spirit of her father, Rafael Fuentes, and she had a soft spot for her Starbucks hot mochas. She adored her adopted stray cat Bruce (aka “Pussy”) and was immensely proud of purchasing her first home in 2019. Though she never remarried, she always found joy in the deep love and connection she shared with her children, family and friends and she faced every challenge with grace and strength.

She was predeceased by her father, Rafael Fuentes; her brother, Gilberto Santos De Jesus and her grandmother, Elisia Torres Guzman. She is survived by her daughter, Sabrina Iris Santiago; son, Jonathan Edward Santiago; mother, Norma Iris Fuentes; and her siblings, William Santos, Miriam Diaz, Raphael Fuentes Jr, Grace Fuentes Comerford, and Juan Fuentes.

Visitation and service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Parsels Funeral Home, 324 New Jersey Ave, Absecon, NJ, with visitation at 11:00 AM and service at 12:00 PM. Online condolences may be placed at www.parselsfh.com. Wanda will be deeply missed but never ever forgotten. May she rest in eternal peace. ❤️