Santa Magpily

Tita Santa has been there for me since the day I was born and has continued to be there for me for the last 2 decades. I spent my summers in her and Uncle Tottie’s house in Bloomfield, NJ going to different summer camps. Most importantly, I got to spend time with Tita Santa, watching Filipino television shows and talking with her. She taught me how to be kind and patient, how to see the best in everyone, and how to show up for the people you love wholeheartedly. For some reason I always thought I would have endless time with Tita Santa, however, her memory lives on in me forever and with the people she loves. I owe a lot of the woman I am today to Tita Santa and the ways in which she taught me to be kind, fearless, and generous to not only my family and friends, but to everyone I meet. I love you Tita Santa, and I am eternally grateful for the 19 years I got to spend with you -Ariellie

Nothing ever prepares one for what life may bring. I naively didn’t think this day would come so soon, so suddenly. My heart is yearning to hear my mom singing/ humming in the kitchen or laughing endlessly for no reason or for a warm, embrace. Don’t know how to say farewell for now to someone who has been with me my whole life. It’s hard to put into short few words what she means to me. I will simply say she is my everything… Never have I, nor will I ever meet someone like her. I have never known someone who always sees the good in people, and puts the thoughts and needs of others in front of her own. Her love was pure, steadfast and non-judgmental! She lived as God intended with unwavering faith and belief in the greater good, loving all those who crossed her path with HER WHOLE HEART. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched. I have always been told I look strikingly similar to my mom. This badge of honor I wear with pride and I only hope one day I will be half the woman she was and love in the same way as she did - whole heartedly! She is forever my hero, the example I strive to live by every day! Rest in peace my dear INANG til we meet again in heaven where there is no end. I love you infinity squared!!! Your baby - Min

As a young child growing up in New York City, I always thought my mom had a peculiar first name - Santa. After all, the only Santa I knew as a child here in the states was a fat man with a white beard and glasses who wore a red suit and gave presents during Christmas. I always thought the other mothers had normal first names like Christine, Mary or Sara. I always cringed when I had to introduce mom and say her first name as a child to another adult or child. But as the years passed, growing to a teenager then an adult, I realized quickly how appropriate Santa was for mom’s first name. She was giving and seemed to always bring joy to those around her like Santa Claus. She was selfless and her happiness came from the comfort that others around her were taken care of before her. I remember through the years numerous relatives and family friends who were in need of a temporary place to live would be embraced by my mom. Our house was their house. When she had a relative or friend in the hospital, she always wanted to visit and offer her support however she could. Several years ago one of our titas had stage three cancer and was being treated and stayed at Mount Sinai and Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City. My mom with my father would travel into the city from Bloomfield two to three times a week to care and comfort her cousin during her time of need in the hospital. My mom provided whatever her cousin needed to ease her pain whether it was just a comforting ear to listen to, praying together, someone to check her vitals or someone to accompany her cousin to speak to the doctor. My mom was there till the end when her cousin passed and did this while she herself was quietly fighting diabetes. Never fearing hospitals, my mother embraced them. She was a registered nurse in New York City hospitals for over 40 years. The hospital was her second home. If not working on her floor, she would find time to attend mass at the hospital chapel. Her selfless compassion for others and humble demeanor was the best medicine for many she cared for. While we maybe saying goodbye to her here on earth, we will always remember and never forget you. I love you. We love you. You are truly our “Saint”! - your son always, Gerald

Tita Santa, true to your name, you were a saint in every sense of the word. We will miss you more deeply than words could ever express. Your home was always filled with warmth—your gentle smile, your open arms, and your endless invitations to eat made everyone feel loved and welcome. You were a second mother to us, and the most devoted, loving grandmother to Arielle. From the day Arielle was born, you were always there—every birthday, every graduation, every Thanksgiving and Christmas for the past two decades. It breaks our hearts to imagine life without you. Yet even in our sorrow, we are profoundly grateful for the gift of having had you in our lives. Your love will remain with us forever. / Elaine and Arielle