Patricia Ann (Brenneman) Santiago

Her family moved to Goshen, IN when she was four years old so her father could attend Goshen College. In 1938 when she was seven, her family moved to Argentina where her parents became Mennonite missionaries. In Argentina, she learned to play piano, a skill that she applied later as a piano and organ accompanist in church services, choirs, and weddings in Puerto Rico. The family returned from Argentina in early 1945, when World War II was still raging. They were forced to take a ship back to the United States through the treacherous waters of Tierra del Fuego, along the Pacific side of South America, through the Panamá Canal, and finally landing in the port of New Orleans after an adventurous forty days. Patricia was 13 at the time.

Her family settled in Sarasota, Florida, where her father served as pastor for Bayshore Mennonite Church. She graduated from Sarasota High School, and went on to Goshen College where she obtained a Bachelors in Arts degree in education. She then taught first graders in a public elementary school in Sarasota County for two years. In 1955, she moved to Puerto Rico and taught third and fourth graders at Escuela Menonita Betania, an emerging mission school in the central mountains of Puerto Rico.

In 1956, she married Fidel Santiago and had her first child, Rolando in 1957. In 1958 she passed an exam with the Social Services Department of Puerto Rico, and shortly after began a long 18-year career as a social services technician managing hundreds of cases in the towns of Cidra, Cayey, and Aguas Buenas. For many years, she taught Sunday School to many children who loved her warm and engaging teaching style. In the 1970s, she managed a self-help project that allowed rural women to earn a modest income stitching traditional Puerto Rican scenes on table cloths, table mats, and cloth napkins.

Patricia retired from government service in 1978, and in 1982 moved with her husband Fidel to Glendale, California after the tragic death of their second son, Ricardo.

In Glendale, she served as church secretary for the Glendale Church of the Brethren, publishing the church’s newsletter and the weekly bulletin. Patricia also served as secretary, treasurer, and newsletter editor for the Glendale Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) that provided scholarships for young women.

In 2001, Patricia and Fidel moved to Harrisonburg, VA, and into an apartment at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community where they cultivated deep relationships with many people.

Then in 2018, Patricia moved with Fidel to an apartment in Woodcrest Villa where they again established many enriching friendships.

Patricia was preceded in death by her son Ricardo David, her sibling, Donald Brenneman (Marilyn), and her husband, Fidel.

In addition to her sister-in-law, Marilyn Brenneman, she is survived by her son Rolando Luis and daughter-in-law Raquel Trinidad, two grandchildren, Jared (Julia) and Karla (Alfredo), and five great grandchildren, Ryse, Brixton, Rozalyn, Valentina, and Ezra.

A Service of Remembrance will be held January 28th, 2026 from 1pm till 2:30 pm at Lindsey Funeral Home Chapel in Harrisonburg, Va. Followed by a reception and meal, starting at 3pm at the Village Hall of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. Burial will be held at a later date in Lindale Mennonite Church cemetery in Linville, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mennonite Central Committee U.S., 21 South 12th Street, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500; or Goshen College, Advancement Office, 1700 South Main Street, Goshen, IN 46526.

Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyfuneralhomes.com