Rosa M. Santiago

Rosa M. Santiago, 90, known by most of her family as “Rosita” or by her closest as “Minia”, of Yulee, FL passed away Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Baptist Medical Center in Fernandina Beach.

Mrs. Santiago was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico and moved to Yulee in 2015 from DeLand, FL.  She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission in Yulee.  Before her retirement she was the Director of Accounting and Budget for the Department of Commerce in Puerto Rico.  Some of her responsibilities included preparing the budget for the Government of Puerto Rico to be submitted to the Senate for approval. 

Mrs. Santiago was predeceased by her son in law, Geraldo Cruz; two brothers, Miguel Vega and Juan Vega; and by two sisters, Isabel Vega Gautier and Emma Vega.

She is survived by her adoring husband of 59 years, Nixon Elizer Santiago of Yulee, FL; two daughters, Carmen Santiago Cruz of Jacksonville, FL and Lourdes Santiago Arias, with husband Manuel Arias, of Miami, FL; her son, Nixon Gerardo Santiago of Yulee; a sister, Rafaela Vega Ferrer of Puerto Rico; four grandchildren, Adriana Gabrielle Cruz, Manuel Antonio Cruz, Oscar Manuel Arias and Lauren Isabel Arias; nieces Rosa Margarita Gautier Vega, Margarita Ferrer, Juane Gordian Mirabal, nephews/godsons Nicolas Gautier Vega, Johnny Ferrer.

Rosita had a beautiful singing voice, was a devout catholic, loved to pray the Rosary, particularly for those in need.  She was happiest when surrounded by her entire family. She was a phenomenal cook who loved cooking with and for the family.  Minia was a master seamstress and made the wedding dresses for both of her daughters as well as dresses for other family members.

There will be a visitation and Rosary for Mrs. Santiago from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday. 

The Funeral Mass will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 19, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission, 86000 St. Francis Way in Yulee.  Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery.