Born in Yauco, Puerto Rico, Carmen was the daughter of the late Jesús Santiago and Sophia Ramos. Carmen was one of 13 children. She was the beloved wife of the late Julio A. Martínez Colón, whose passing came far too soon. She was left to raise her family on her own, Carmen faced life with remarkable strength, courage, and grace. As a devoted single mother, she poured her heart into her children, raising them with unconditional love, discipline, faith, and instilling values that continue to live on through generations.
Carmen was the proud and loving mother of Carmen Martínez, Elizabeth Santiago, Julio Martínez (Gloria), Jacqueline Pabón, Ivon González (Jayson), and Omar Feliciano. She was a cherished grandmother to Christina Santiago, Jessica Rivera, Roselyn Santiago, Sylvia Santiago, Jasmine Santiago (deceased), Ramón Santiago, Angelise Rivera-Couoh, Julio Martínez, Joshua Martínez, Alex Colón, Elba Colón, Angelica Gonzalez Doe, Daisha Gonzalez, Omar Feliciano, and Olivia Feliciano, and was blessed to be a great-grandmother of 27 and great-great-grandmother of 10. Her family was her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment.
A woman of deep faith, Carmen lived her life devoted to God and her family. She was a faithful member of Iglesia Cristiana Hispana Lutheran Church in Cleveland, where she found strength, comfort, and community. Her faith guided her through life’s hardships and was evident in the way she loved, forgave, and cared for others.
Carmen had a joyful spirit and loved simple pleasures—cooking for her family, playing cards, especially 31, lotería, bingo, lottery scratch off tickets and creating crafts for special occasions. She had a special gift for making every space feel like home, decorating rooms with care and love, always thinking of others. Her laughter, wisdom, and warm presence will be deeply missed.
Above all, Carmen will be remembered as LA REINA (the Queen) of our family who loved fiercely, gave selflessly, and lived faithfully. She raised strong, loving individuals, carried her family through difficult times, and left behind a legacy of love that will never fade.
Visitation will be held on January 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Craciun Berry Funeral Home, 7200 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102. Funeral services will take place on January 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the same location. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 14609 Brookpark Rd, Brook Park, OH 44142, from 12:15 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort knowing Carmen’s love, faith, and strength live on in all who were blessed to know her
