In Loving Memory of Dalia Santana It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dalia Santana, on June 12, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of courage, grace, and unwavering love.
Born on September 20, 1938, in Matanzas, Cuba, Dalia was the youngest of six siblings. Dalia was a woman of extraordinary strength and perseverance. She married Eusebio R. Gomez and embraced his four daughters as her family. In pursuit of a better life for their family, she made the courageous decision to leave behind everything she knew-her home, her language, her roots-and begin anew in America.
Life did not come easy. Shortly after arriving in the United States, Dalia widowed, facing the immense challenges of raising their two children alone in a foreign land. She worked multiple jobs, often sacrificing her own needs to ensure her family never went without. With two young children at her side, no money in her pockets, and little knowledge of English, she stepped into the unknown with faith and resilience.
But she was a fighter. She worked tirelessly to provide a life of dignity, opportunity, and love for her family. She taught herself English, learned to drive, and gave all she had to those in her life. As a single mother of two young children, she began a new chapter in her life-one rooted in faith. During this time, she deepened her commitment to Christ, and in 1977, she met her husband of 48 years, Avidmael Santana.
Their union was a testament to love, endurance and patience. Dalia gave her life to her family and her church. Her faith gave her strength to overcame cancer twice! She was a pillar of strength, a source of unconditional love, and an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She lived not for herself, but for others-always putting her loved ones first, always ready with a prayer or a meal. However, Dalia’s true testament is that she always found a way to experience the joys of life, and all that God had to offer her.
She lived her life with gratitude and appreciation. She viewed each day as a gift. She traveled on mission trips, cruises and spent summers with her grandkids touring every theme park, mini go-cart track and county fair. She rode roller coasters and swam in the Dead Sea. Dalia lived life!
She is survived by her husband Avidmael Santana, children: Ana Lopez, Enrique Gomez her beloved grandchildren Sophia, Katrina, Kyle, Christian, and Carolina; and her cherished great-grandchildren Monroe and Logan who will forever carry her memory and spirit forward.
In honor of her life, we invite family and friends to join us in celebrating the extraordinary woman she was a mother, a fighter, and the heart of our family. Her story is one of sacrifice, strength, and boundless love-a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at TIP De Vida Church on August 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at: 2921 S. Orlando Dr. Unit 240 Sanford, FL 32773 where we will honor the life of a remarkable woman who showed us all the true meaning of faith, family, and love.