Dr. Maritza M Santiago

The Lord graced our world with the beautiful and dynamic life force of Dr. Maritza Santiago on May 25, 1954. On September 26, 2022, a radiant soul, full of love and faith, ascended to heaven, away from us, but closer to God. Dr. Santiago was called from her earthly realm to her final resting place with her Savior, where she received her wings and resides with the angels.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Gordon Inverno, Jr., her sister, Milagros Santiago, as well as her parents, Rosa Hernandez and Meridor Santiago. She is survived by her two daughters Ivette Sosa Dempsey and Jessica Sosa, her son-in-law Scott Dempsey, and her grandchildren Francesca and Alexandra Dempsey. Maritza is also survived by an infinite number of patients and devoted friends who brought sunlight and joy to her life, ultimately becoming part of the extended family that she hand crafted.
Dr. Maritza Santiago was an amazing mother and loving grandmother who devoted her life to helping others with a generous, compassionate and warm demeanor. She was a doctor that went above and beyond for everyone she encountered. She made medicine her life’s work and took every opportunity she could to share her wisdom, expertise and guidance with all she met.
Some say, “A truly amazing doctor is hard to find...and impossible to forget”. Maritza was truly that.... Unforgettable!
Throughout her life, Maritza never lost her smile, her joy of family and work, and always led with her heart to help in every way possible. She took pride and delight in preparing her grandchildren for the holidays, as well as, celebrating their milestones. Weather permitting, she could be found puttering in her garden and taking pleasure in God’s abundant gift of nature. Maritza was a lover of music... all kinds, all genres. She found happiness and solace in the soothing and therapeutic notes that only music can provide. She even connected musically by dabbling on the piano from time to time. She was a master conductor of life, love and kindness....
It is difficult to include all of the amazing accomplishments Maritza has achieved in her lifetime.... But of this we can be sure.... She has touched each of you in her own special and tender way..... she cared..... she radiated positivity.... she was a pillar and a rock.... she loved unconditionally.... she was of petite stature, but had a giant heart..... she was a valiant and unwavering fighter to the end... and, of all her many achievements, she treasured her family, her life’s calling to medicine and kindness most highly.
May she rest peacefully with the Lord as she is embraced by her family and friends in heaven. May we honor her memory by continuing her legacy of love, strength, determination and harmony. May we treat others with the grace, dignity and gentle warmth that she consistently embodied and delivered.
It is said, that a person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts, and through our memories, they live on. As Jesus’ resurrection gives us certainty of eternal life after death, we take comfort knowing Dr. Maritza Santiago will be sadly missed, but will always live on within a dear place in our hearts.

The role of the physician in the life of a community is an ancient one. For as long as there has been illness and disease among humans, there have been those moved to compassion at the suffering of their neighbors - those who have desired to ease the pain and cure the sick. We give thanks for those who have found their greatest joy in service to one of the world's deepest hungers: the hunger for healing and wellness.
Dr. Maritza Santiago was a Healer, a Physician, A Friend, a Mother, a Grandmother and now, an Angel.
To help you reflect upon and celebrate the vocation of Dr. Maritza Santiago, we are pleased to share this blessing from the Catholic Health Association of the United States. Although this is a Blessing for Physicians, we humbly ask God to Bless You and your family too....
A Blessing for Physicians
May you always heal and be healed. May those who come to you find in you One who cares deeply
Whose knowledge includes knowledge Of the spirit’s movements.
May you take pride in your gifts and use them humbly. May the suffering and the vulnerable
Be your teachers.
May you see in others the goodness
Of a tender God.
May compassion encircle you Carry you Strengthen you
And give you insight.
May your presence be hope To those in pain
May your skill ease the way And instill trust.
May you know the Healer of all May your own heart be held
In the compassion and tenderness Of God.
Amen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The St. Jude Foundation in Dr. Santiago’s honor. Additionally, we encourage people to share stories and sentiments of her on our website. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Maritza M Santiago, please visit our floral store.