Otelia Santoscoy

Mrs. Otelia Santoscoy, 88, passed away May 5, 2026. Otelia was born at home in Westphelia, Texas, on December 13, 1937 to loving parents, Felipe "Phillip" and Marcella Sanchez.

Otelia was preceded in death by son, Louis Santoscoy; siblings Nancy Iglesias, Lucille Flores, and Steve Sanchez. Otelia was an identical twin in every way with Lucille. She is also survived by sibling, Ofelia Kilpatrick.

Otelia was married to the love of her life and elementary school sweetheart, Louis Santoscoy, for 67 years—a remarkable life of faithful love and shared happiness that she cherished from the moment they met until her passing.

Otelia was a devoted and nurturing mother to five children, Marie Azcona, Louis Santoscoy, Jr.(deceased), Vincent Santoscoy, Frances Gray, and Roy Santoscoy. She extended her love to their spouses and friends, welcoming them with an open heart. Sons-in-law are Tony Azcona (m. Marie) and Paul Gray (m. Frances). Daughters-in-law are Peggy Roden (m. Vincent) and Cindy Santoscoy (m. Roy).

Known affectionately as OT, Mama T, Tillie, Tila, and Granny, she brought warmth wherever she went. Her radiant smile and joyful spirit were often described as infectious, and her laughter made her a treasured friend to many. With a keen eye for style including jewelry (she never met a ring she didn't like), she delighted in dressing up for church, concerts, theater, and other occasions, always carrying herself with grace. She also had an artistic gift—especially in drawing—which she proudly passed on to her children.

Otelia's life was anchored by a deep Catholic faith. She loved her family more than anything (except our Lord Jesus Christ), and she gave generously of her time and possessions—especially in support of St. Luke’s Catholic Church. She taught Religious Education, served as a leader for Blue Bird and Camp Fire girls, and lived with a steady compassion that expressed itself in kindness, service, and an ever-ready willingness to help.

A lifelong reader, Otelia especially enjoyed books about her faith and the Kennedy family, and she found comfort and delight in old classic movies, especially with Elvis Presley. She loved to dance, even when she had trouble walking, and she was a passionate Dallas Cowboys fan—often locking herself in the bathroom during a particularly close game.

Otelia was a gifted and enthusiastic cook who made family gatherings feel like celebrations—filled with laughter and generous plates of her renowned flour tortillas, cheese enchiladas, rice, and beans, among other Mexican dishes. Her hospitality was legendary, including the time she prepared an enchilada feast for an entire high school football team.

Her tenderness was perhaps most evident in the way she cared for babies and young children. She loved holding babies and had a special way with them, a calming presence she shared for many years through her work in the Plymouth Park Baptist Church nursery, where she soothed countless infants each day.

Otelia graduated from Crozier Tech High School in Dallas, Texas. While there, she was active in the Y-Teens Club and held numerous leadership roles, including Junior Y-Teen Vice President, Junior Y-Teen Program Chairman, Homeroom Secretary, and SGA Representative—early signs of the steady dedication and bright spirit she carried throughout her life.

Otelia’s legacy continues through her grandchildren (10), Michael Azcona (m. Anita), Justin Azcona (m. Nikki), Jeffrey Azcona (m. Christine), Aaron Thompson, Joey Roden, Michael Roden (m. Alix), Jack Louis Gray, John Paul Gray, Shelby Santoscoy, and Sean Santoscoy; and her great-grandchildren (10), Michael Isaiah Azcona, Juan Luis Azcona, Dominic Azcona, Madeleine Azcona, Gabriel Azcona, Will Azcona, Leon Charles Azcona, Lola Marie Azcona, Nash Roden, and Palmer Roden.

Visitation will be held at Calvary Hill Funeral Home, 3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, Texas 75220, on May 17, 2026, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Holy Rosary will be held at Calvary Hill Funeral Home, 3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, Texas 75220, on May 17, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Luke Catholic Church, 202 S MacArthur Blvd, Irving, Texas 75060, on May 18, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, Texas 75220, on May 18, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.