Carmen Lydia Santiago

GUILDERLAND—Peacefully and surrounded by her family, Carmen Lydia Santiago passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the blessed age of 90 years. She fought a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease and congestive heart failure, but she coped resiliently and never lost her sense of humor.

Carmen was born on the beautiful island of Ponce, Puerto Rico on October 8, 1934. In 1967, Carmen and her husband, Felipe Santiago, left their native land in search of the American dream—they wanted to provide a better life for their family. Together, they moved to Newburgh, New York, where Carmen was a longtime resident and neighbor for many years.

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, was an exceptional person. She was a woman of faith and Puerto Rican pride (she only spoke Spanish) who loved her children, and her grandchildren, fiercely. As the family matriarch during her entire life, Carmen was also known as Mami, Mamá, Lydia to her husband, and Yiya to many, and to know Yiya was to know her infectious smile, contagious laugh, strong-will, and playful sass. It didn’t matter if she had only met you once, or if she had known you for a lifetime, Yiya welcomed everyone from all paths of life with open arms, a big plate of food or a hot cup of coffee, and no judgment. You immediately became family and felt at home in her presence. Her impact was powerful, leaving an unforgettable maternal mark on the souls of many—a testament of who she was at the very core of her being. She often extended her compassion and empathy to our four-legged (or winged!) friends as well, providing shelter, and food aplenty, to her dog and birds over the years.

While we will miss Mami tremendously, we take comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through the lives she touched (many of whom find themselves smiling when they think of her), the traditions her grandchildren will carry on, and the lessons she taught us. Though she may not be here physically, her spirit will continue to guide us, and her memory will always be cherished. Bendición, Mamá.

She is survived by her sister Genoveva, five children, and 13 grandchildren: Luz Santiago; grandchildren: Rafael Jr. (Nydia), Alberto (Jessica), Alvin (Amber); Felipe Jr. Santiago; grandchildren: Priscilla, Manuel, Gavin, Sarah, Ulysses; Wanda Santiago; grandchildren: Melinda, Daniel (Jessica); Marilyn (Eddie) Del Valle; grandchildren: Clarissa, Alyscia; Miguel Santiago; grandchild: Leilani; step-daughter Evelyn Santiago; grandchildren: Keyla, Kevin; her 17 great-grandchildren: Esmeralda, Albertito, William, Joel, Jaer, Mateo, Moe Jr., Mason, Jael, Meilani, Christina, Julian, Jovani, Isabella, Ashley, Bella, Jacob; her great-great-grandchild: Jaycion; her adored nieces Diani, Miriam, and Jessica; her life-long friends of whom she considered her children: Robert and Myra Schmidt; grandchild: Victorya; Keny Cottman; and her beloved daughter-in-laws Carmen (Tita) DeJesus and Mary-Anne Santiago; grandchild: Osvaldo (Jr.).

She is predeceased by her loving husband of 52 years, Felipe Santiago, her step-daughter Lucy Santiago, her great-grandchildren Damien and Gavin Jr., her sisters Margarita, Estelyn, Raquel, and Emma, her brothers Junior and Raul, and her parents Pedro Vasquez and Maria Crespo. 

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A funeral ceremony will follow the calling hours at 7 p.m.