Mary Jessie Santiago

Mary J. Santiago (Lopez) peacefully passed away in her sleep on Sunday, December 5, 2021 in San Diego, CA. at the age of 93. She was born on July 5, 1928 in Portola, California. Her parents, Eliseo Marquez Lopez and Enedina Lopez y Marquez both from Jalisco, Mexico, were married in San Juan de Los Lagos on April 6, 1926.

Mary married her sweetheart Daniel Paul Santiago. In her words “It was love at first sight” . Their romance began in the early 40’s and sustained 47 years of marriage until Dan’s death in 1990. She was also predeceased by grandsons, Daniel and John McCormick.

Mary is survived by her son Dennis Santiago and wife Michele of San Diego, CA , her daughter Mary E. McCormick (Santiago) resides in Northern California, Grandsons Bric Santiago and wife Kasey in Northern California, Reid Santiago resides in Hawaii and five Great Grandchildren: Zackary, Jacob and Joshua McCormick and Joaquin and Harlow Santiago.

The eldest of twelve, Mary is survived by brothers (Joe Lopez, David Lopez and Ben Alvarado) and sisters (Jenny Gollardo and Carmen Vasquez). Her extended family includes brothers-in-law Ray Santiago and Melvin Santiago of Santa Clara and Sister in law Dolores Zweigle of Jamestown, Ca., and many, many nieces and nephews.

Mary and Dan and their two children moved from San Jose to San Diego in 1954 where she began working at Ratners Clothing Manufacturing Company as Supervisor of Orders/Shipping Department. Subsequently, she became increasingly active in volunteer service with organizations that worked to benefit the welfare of children.

She was a member of the California Women's Club, and volunteered for over 25 years at Children’s Hospital and the San Diego Center for Children, where she also served as a member of the Iris Auxiliary as Vice President in charge of Center Activities. She received a number of awards over the years, honoring her dedication in her work with children. She was praised for her kind and giving spirit and willingness to help whenever needed.

Mary took joy in making sure that the special days or events of family and friends were acknowledged with a personal card and message from her. It was always a joy to be remembered by her. She was saddened when ill health prevented her from continuing this tradition.

Mary’s final resting place will be next to husband Dan at El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego, CA. She will be buried on December 14, following a quiet graveside service. If you wish, you may help her kindness and compassion continue by making a donation to, or volunteering at, one of the organizations Mary Santiago loved.