Bernardina Santos

Bernardina “Zory” Santos, 85, of Chicago, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, after a long and happy life, with her family by her side. She was born to the late Victor Torres and Narcisa Cruz, Feb 11, 1937, in Humacao, Puerto Rico.

She married the late Eduardo “Eddie” Santos in 1960, and they lived together in Chicago until his passing in 1979. Zory is survived by her two daughters: Nydia Santos, and Corin (Mike) Diaz. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Jeanette (Bruce), Vanessa (Matt), Eduardo “EJ”, Carena, Anyssa, and Nicholas “Nick”; and ten great-grandchildren, Maya, Matthew “MJ”, Devyn, Olivia, Gabriela “Gaby”, Dominic, Leilani, Anthony, Ezekiel “Bubby” and Noah. Fond sister of Isabel, and Esmeralda “Nery” and brother, Antonio “Tony”. Loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Zory had a zest for life and enjoyed living life to its fullest. She was a petite woman, but she was strong and independent. It all began when she chose to move to Chicago from Puerto Rico back in 1957. Thru the help of her siblings already living here, she found work at a manufacturing company. Here is where she met the love of her life, Eddie. They married in 1960 and remained together until his death in 1979. She never remarried because she believed that she would never find another man like him. Zory was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to so many. Her smile was warm and affectionate and would light up any room. She had such a kind soul and loving heart. She was always there to lend support in any way possible. She was very opinionated and unapologetic for it, but she never abandoned you for your choice and always welcomed you with open arms when it didn’t work out. Even though she came from humble beginnings, Zory had amazing style and grace. Her approach to life helped shape her family and instilled the importance of togetherness. She worked hard her entire life to give a better life to her two daughters. Giving them both a Catholic education and allowing them the opportunity to learn piano and guitar. Not only did she provide for her daughters, but she’d also find a way to help other members of her family.

Zory enjoyed watching baseball and basketball. Her favorite baseball team is the Chicago Cubs, and her favorite basketball team is the Chicago Bulls. Although, she would say that the only Bulls team she enjoyed the most was the Michael Jordan era. You would also catch her watching a good telenovela. She loved to travel. She enjoyed great trips to Las Vegas, Costa Rica, Mexico, a few cruises, and of course, back home to Puerto Rico. Zory loved to sing and dance. Her favorite musical artist is Tito Rodriguez.

Her greatest joy is her family. Our early memories would include celebrations with family in Gary, IN. There wasn’t a holiday that we wouldn’t have some type of party. It would always be filled with food, drinks, music, and laughter. Once her siblings moved out of Gary, she’d continued the tradition here. Although smaller in size, the same loving gatherings would carry on for years to come.

Thank you for the wonderful memories. Thank you for giving us a great life the best way you knew how. Thank you for the love and dedication you shared with each one of us. Thank you for YOU!! You will be terribly missed but we are fortunate to have been blessed to have you in our lives for as long as it was permitted. The time with you wasn’t long enough but until we see each other again, rest in eternal peace. We love you!

A visitation for Bernardina will be held Monday, August 29, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home, Blossom Chapel, 6901 West Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634. A celebration of life service will occur Monday, August 29, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 6901 West Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634. A committal & interment will occur Monday, August 29, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2501 East Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bernardina's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://tinyurl.com/In-memory-of-Bernardina-Santos__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!K8Jari76aP80ntXONbSQ1_lVvKPTsvSQsco7cZTxsF_RmdSVhWWA6yAFq1kUCvDzNTjYXpTC9u5GSxCgvym_rGT0FfrbZsH82g$.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montclair-lucaniafuneral.com for the Santos family.