Purine V. Santos

Purine was born on February 2, 1931. Her parents were Martin Villatuya and Irene Subijano, natives of Luisiana, Laguna in the Philippines. She married Raymundo Santos Jr. on May 1, 1955 and their union produced four children: Raymundo, who was married to Daisy Anolin; Annabelle, who is married to Keith Volgman; Joel who was married to Jesse Jocson; and Joy who is married to Araceli Mariano. She helped raise and enjoyed all her grandchildren Desiree Hallock, Kara Robinson, Robert and Caroline Volgman and Jemellee Santos. Her siblings, Evangeline Robles, married to Salvador Robles and her brother Edmar Villatuya will miss her.

Purine, as she was fondly known was once a member of the Salvation Army Queens, Filipino Corps and has a ranking Sgt. Major assisting Corps commanding officers.

She graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Education and specialized in Guidance and Counseling at the Philippine Normal College, now Women’s University. She was a teacher and Assistant Principal at the Marikina Elementary School. She received an award for “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” in Marikina Rizal in 1967.

She immigrated to the United States in June 1968 and soon followed by her husband and children in 1970.

In the United States she lived in Manhattan and became the assistant manager for Private Wealth at Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company for 20 years until her retirement. During her working years she enjoyed many businesses such as selling products from different companies such as Avon, Mary Kay and Amway. She frequently received many awards and accolades as a top salesperson.

In addition she enjoyed many civic activities in the Filipino-American community and was the President of the New York Filipino-American Women’s Club for five years.

She lived life to the fullest and enjoyed singing and dancing at many parties, reunions and weddings. She sang the solo for the wedding of her sister’s son’s wedding. She was always the life of the party and so many of her friends and family will miss her laughter and love for having a great time.

Visitation with her family will be on December 27-28, 2019 at the R. Stutzmann & Son Dignity Memorial Funeral Home at 224 - 39 Jamaica Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11428. Her memorial service will be held on December 28, 2019 at 3:30 PM.