Yolanda Santiago

Born on March 13, 1948, in New York City to the late Juanita Velazquez-Flecha and Ernesto Santiago-Hernandez, Yolanda was proud of her Puerto Rican roots and her New York upbringing. She later retired to her beloved home in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, where she enjoyed the tranquility of nature, family visits, and the comfort of home.

Yolanda began her remarkable career at Promesa Inc. in the Bronx, New York, starting as a receptionist and—through hard work, dedication, and a strong spirit—rose to the executive level. As Event Coordinator and head of fundraising, she organized countless successful events and had the opportunity to meet many influential figures and celebrated entertainers, including Fidel Castro and El Gran Combo. Her success reflected her intelligence, professionalism, determination, and deep commitment to the causes she served and passion for helping others.

Yolanda was first married to Theodore Toledo, with whom she shared three children: Rebecca Calderon, Melissa Toledo, and Theodore Toledo Jr. She later married Edward Kelly, and together they welcomed their daughter, Patricia Ann Kelly. After Edward’s passing, Yolanda carried his memory lovingly throughout her life.

She is survived by her Aunt Lydia Almodovar and Uncle Wilfred Velazquez; her sister Alicia DeCurtis and brother Luis Velazquez Varela; Her Cousin Sandra Love: her four devoted children; her grandchildren Jazmin Calderon-Marquez, Rebecca Mitchel, Tyler Toledo, Leah Toledo, Celia Leitch, Ciara Cordero, and Jacob Collazo; and her great-grandchildren Leonidas Marquez-Calderon and Lukai Mitchel.

Yolanda was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her late husband Edward Kelly, and her brothers Jose Velazquez-Varela and Jacinto Velazquez-Ramirez.

Beyond her career, her passions were many — reading books, sewing, traveling, and savoring a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak. Yolanda’s home was a gathering place filled with laughter and love. She will be remembered for her warmth, humor, strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those she cherished. But above all, family was her greatest treasure.

A funeral service to celebrate Yolanda’s life will be held at Wylie-Baxter Funeral Home, 1360 N. Courtney Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953. Viewing will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by the service at 2:30 p.m.

Yolanda Santiago’s legacy of love, perseverance, and family devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.