Maria Aida Santos

Maria Aida Santos, age 74, passed away on December 18, 2023. Maria was born in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico to Martin and Petrona Crespo on September 2, 1949. Maria married Pedro (Pete) Santos on October 2, 1971. Maria and Pete were happily married for 52 years.

Maria was a loving mother to Tammy (Adriana), Kenneth (Christy) and Anthony. The best grandmother ever to Danielle, Cali, Carolann, Karter, Savannah, Grayson and Everly. A cherished sister and aunt, and wonderful friend to all.

Maria was the sweetest soul. She was kind to everyone she met and treated them like family the moment she met them. She was the most generous person, offering so much to even a stranger on the street. She loved her family more than anything and cherished the time spent with them. Her grandchildren adored her as did all the children that crossed her path. Her sleepovers were the best, from her amazing rice to chocolate milk to her walks to Burger King. They loved their grandma dearly. Traveling was something her and Pete very much enjoyed, having recently been on a road trip to Arizona. The highlight of her travels was taking her entire family to Puerto Rico this past summer. A memory her family will never forget.

Maria was one of a kind and will be missed dearly by all who knew her. We are all better people for having known and loved her.

Services will be held on Thursday, December 21st at St. James Catholic Church, 820 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Visitation is from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Funeral Mass is at 10:00. A luncheon will directly follow the service.

Her family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Cancer Survivorship Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. http://donate.aahgiving.org/survivorship