Maria Pura Santiago

Maria Pura Castillo Santiago, was born on February 28, 1936, in Manila, Philippines, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her husband. She lived a life marked by faith, devotion to family, and a passion for education.

Maria was the beloved wife of Perfecto R. Santiago, with whom she shared a loving marriage beginning on November 18, 1969. Together they built a home centered on faith, love, and family.

A lifelong learner, Maria earned a master's degree in Library Science from Dominican University (then Rosary College) in 1962. She dedicated her professional life to education and librarianship, serving as a professional librarian at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and the Library of Congress where she retired after years of faithful service. She was also remembered as an outstanding teacher of American History, a role she cherished for over a decade.

Maria's Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. She often said that living faithfully to her Catholic beliefs and honoring the sacred bond of marriage were among her greatest accomplishments. She believed in pursuing one's dreams and encouraged others never to give up on them.

Her greatest joy came from her family. She treasured the birth of her sons, Joseph Patrick and Christian Lawrence, and found immeasurable happiness in spending time with her beloved grandchildren, Lauren, Alexandra, Olivia, and Roman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Feliberto Valerio Castillo and Salome Mijares Muñoz, and was one of a large and loving family of siblings: Feliberto Jr., Jose , Corazon Rosario, Carmen, Marilou, Rosemary , Antoinette, Angelica, and Lourdes

Maria found joy in traveling, watching movies, solving crossword puzzles, and enjoying fine dining. Purple was her favorite color, and she loved listening to classics such as Blue Spanish Eyes, Vincent (Starry, Starry Night), and other timeless favorites. She especially loved laughing at her husband's jokes and treasured every moment spent with her husband and family.

Maria will be remembered for her kindness, wisdom, unwavering faith, dedication to education, and the love she so generously shared with everyone around her. Her legacy lives on through her family, her students, and all whose lives she touched.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 861 Wildwood Ln, Grapevine, TX 76051, US, on August 7, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.