Sotera Bernabe Santiago

Sotera “Baby” Santiago — a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, friend, and leader — lived a life overflowing with love, purpose, and grace. Born on December 23, 1947, her warmth and kindness brightened the lives of everyone she met.

The youngest of ten siblings, Baby was #10 of 10 — lovingly nicknamed “Baby” by her family. As the bunso, she was often tasked with sweeping the leaves and tending to the family garden. These early chores nurtured her lifelong love for plants and gave rise to her reputation as a true green thumb — someone who could bring anything to life with patience, care, and quiet joy.

On April 22, 1972, Baby married the love of her life, Rodrigo Santiago. Together, they built a home grounded in faith, laughter, and unconditional love. They raised three wonderful children — Judee Santiago Ramos, Loudee Santiago Mercado, and Rendee Santiago — who in turn brought three cherished in-laws into her life––Vincent “Jojo” Ramos, Homer Mercado and Beverly Elfa Santiago. She was also blessed with five grandchildren, who became her greatest joy: Justine “Kai” S. Ramos, Julian “Brad” S. Ramos, Rodni Ryely Santiago, Reese Santiago, and Mateo Mercado.

As a grandmother, she embraced her role with unmatched enthusiasm — always ready with hugs, sweet treats, and wise words — earning her the fond title of “spoiler grandma.” To her children, she was a guiding light: a patient teacher and a fierce protector. To her in-laws and her children’s friends, she was a second mother, full of warmth and acceptance. As a sister and aunt, she was nurturing, present, and always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh.

Professionally, Baby was a brilliant and passionate educator. She believed deeply in the power of learning and shaped countless young minds not only with lessons, but with love and encouragement. Her students — many of whom remained in touch — often said she taught them more than subjects; she taught them to believe in themselves.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and passed the Civil Service Examination for Teachers. She later completed her Master of Arts in Non-Formal Education at what was then Philippine Normal College (now Philippine Normal University) in Manila. She served as a Grade IV teacher before becoming the Sta. Maria District Non-Formal Education Coordinator, where she organized vocational courses across various schools in Sta. Maria, opening doors for countless learners beyond the traditional classroom.

Her leadership extended far beyond education. She was recruited as a member — and later served as President — of Soroptimist International of Sta. Maria, under the umbrella of Soroptimist International of the Americas, a global organization of women dedicated to community service. She was also an active member of the Sta. Maria Association of Retired Teachers and the Bulacan Association of Trellis for Veteran and Retired Teachers.

Beyond her home and classroom, Baby was a pillar of the community — a thoughtful peer, a compassionate leader, and a sweet friend to many. She was fierce, brave, and bold — always ready to stand her ground for what she believed in. Her heart was open, and her hands were always ready to serve. She had the rare gift of making people feel seen, heard, and valued — and she never missed an opportunity to lift others up.

She was known for making her house a home for everyone who entered it. In her presence, you’d be blessed with the utmost generosity — whether it be a warm meal, clothes, or a conversation rich with wisdom. Her legacy of selflessness lives on in her children and grandchildren, who proudly carry on her traditions of giving.

Sotera “Baby” Santiago will be dearly missed, but her generosity, selflessness, sense of adventure, youthful spirit, graciousness, camaraderie, intelligence, and her ability to make family wherever she went will live in our hearts forever.

One of her closest friends described her as a truly wholesome person — sociable, friendly, kind, generous, and approachable. She was one of a kind: someone who could understand and connect with every kind of person she met. A dedicated public servant and a full-time wife and mother, she raised three responsible and resilient children, teaching them how to face life’s trials with strength and grace.

Matatatag, madidiskarte, masisipag at masasayahin — marunong sa buhay at iba pang katangian ng isang mabubuting mga anak. These qualities, deeply rooted in her own life, live on in the hearts and lives of those she nurtured.

She is survived by her husband, Rodrigo Santiago; her three children, Judee Santiago Ramos, Loudee Santiago Mercado, and Rendee Santiago; and her five beloved grandchildren: Justine “Kai” S. Ramos, Julian “Brad” S. Ramos, Rodni Ryely Santiago, Reese Santiago, and Mateo Mercado.