Our beloved Romualda “Julia” Santos (Gonzalez), 86, was peacefully called to her heavenly home on February 12, 2019. She was surrounded by her compassionate caregivers and nursing staff at the Holyoke HealthCare Center at the time of her passing. Julia was born to Felix Gonzalez and Rafaela Carmona, in Toa Baja, PR on February 7, 1933 but was registered as being born on March 27, 1933.
In 1970, she relocated to Holyoke, MA from PR with her two oldest children and a younger sister. There, she remarried her first and only husband, Victor Santos, on September 2, 1974. They lived in Holyoke for many years where she worked as a teacher’s aide for the Holyoke School Department and he worked at the National Felt Industrial Company in Easthampton, MA.
As a result of their rekindled marriage, they were blessed with two additional children. Julia, a very loving and dedicated mother, raised her four children with compassion, discipline and humility. The loss of her firstborn child, Lidia Inez, keened her motherhood with desire and passion.
Her parenting and guidance skills were driven by her strong, spiritual faith in God. Julia’s contagious laughter made everyone feel welcomed. Her outgoing personality helped her accomplish many goals, attend family outings and support others.
She had a fond love for her dog, Pipo. She truly enjoyed the company of her family and loved cooking delicious meals for them. She also dedicated her time educating and caring for her many grandchildren and devoted her Christian faith to God at her local church, Ebenezer Assembly of God.
In 2010, Julia became a patient at the Holyoke HealthCare Center, There, she received a full spectrum of services by skilled staff and caregivers and built close relationships with them. Julia is survived by her husband, Victor Santos, resident of Holyoke, MA; her three younger children, Rafael, Orlando and Dorcas, all residing locally; her siblings Felix Luis, Clara, Brunilda, Miriam, Ramon Luis, Hideliza, Ada Iris, and Margarita, residing locally and in PR; her countless grandchildren and great grandchildren. Julia was predeceased her oldest son, Victor Felix; her siblings Sabina, Celestino, Lidia Ester and Jose Antonio.
In honor of Julia’s life, a humble service will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 from 6-8 pm at Dillon Funeral Home, located at 124 Chestnut Street in Holyoke, MA. In an effort to respect all present, the casket will remain closed for the first portion of the service (6-7:30), then it will be opened for viewing for the remaining part of the service.
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