With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Gloria Maria (Santiago) Marrero, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Gloria, affectionately known to many as "Grandma" and "Grandmamma," entered eternal rest at the age of 90; after a long battle of Alzheimer.  Her life was a radiant testament to faith, family, and joy—a legacy that will echo through generations.

Gloria was born on April 20, 1935, in Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Fructuoso Santiago Arroyo and Natalia Santiago Martinez. She was the second of four children. In a journey that would shape her future, she left San Juan at the age of 11 with her mother and younger brother aboard the historic SS Marine Tiger, arriving at Ellis Island, New York, on December 16, 1946. The family settled in Bohemia, Long Island.

Gloria's journey through life was marked by resilience and love. At age 19, she married Hector Malave, and together they raised three children—Wanda, Yvonne, and Hector—in Manhattan, New York. In November 1973, she married Felix Juan Marrero, welcoming two more children, Marisol and Felix. After years in the Bronx and New Jersey, the family moved to Pasadena, Texas, in June 1979. Gloria planted deep roots in Pasadena until 2018, when she moved to Santa Fe, Texas, with her daughter to spend her final years surrounded by love.

Gloria found great joy in nurturing others. She worked as a dedicated paraprofessional at P.S. 115 in Manhattan, New York, and later retired from Kruse Elementary in Pasadena, Texas.

A woman of vibrant spirit, she loved gardening, singing, and dancing. But above all, she loved to laugh. Her laughter was infectious—she would often laugh until she cried, or laugh simply because she felt joy. She would always set off a chain reaction until everyone in the room was laughing with her. She shared her philosophy on happiness with her family:

"We have to laugh in life. Life is too sad. If you do not have a radio, family, or get-togethers, it is a dry life if you don't laugh. That's why they invented the radio; because when you are alone you can put on the radio and dance."

Faith was the cornerstone of Gloria's life. She was a faithful and active member of Elim Church in Pasadena for many years. She served with a generous heart in the women's ministry, the choir, and various other ministries. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, Fructuoso Santiago Arroyo and Natalia Santiago Martinez, and her brothers, Jose Antonio Santiago Martinez and Frank Santiago Martinez III.

She leaves behind a vast legacy of love, survived by sister: Margarita E. Santiago, and half-siblings Cristobal, Jose, and Maritza Santiago.

Her Children and their Families: Wanda Wiggs (husband Glenn), Yvonne Malave Santiago, Hector C. Malave (wife Norma Velazquez), Marisol Marrero Alfaro, and Felix Juan Marrero II (wife Delia).

Grandchildren:  Luis Antonio Blanco (Callie), Milagros C. Blanco Wallen (Joseph), Daniel I. Blanco, Heather E. Wiggs, and Joel Brian Wiggs (Laura). Alexis D. Fernandez (Evelyn), Giovane Fernandez, David M. Santiago (Doreen), Manuel E. Santiago (Christina), and Erik M. Santiago (Amy). Jazmine Ramos (Joseph) and Isaiah Lopez, Michael D. Ovalle (Brianna), Janisa M. Alfaro, and Franklin Alfaro II, Felix E. Marrero and Madeline Marrero. Gloria's love multiplied greatly; she was the proud grandmother of 18, great-grandmother to 41, and great-great-grandmother to 3. Her descendants include:

Great-grandchildren: Johnathan, Madi, Isa, Eli, Sofia, Ari, AJ, Caitlyn, Justina, Jillian, Jessa, Gabriel, Cecelia, Benjamin, Hank, Makayla, Mariah, Maverick, Jade, Julian, Giovane, Gianna, Giselle, Chase, Gisselle, Jonathan, Stella, Amelia, Ellis, Mylah, Makayla, Liam, Jaelynn, Jazzlynn, Pablo Jr., Chloe, Sebastian, Lianette, Zakariah, Watson, and Stetson.

Great-great-grandchildren: Waylon, Riley-Jo, and Harley-Kay.

Gloria will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering support for those she loved, and the warmth she brought into every room. She will be deeply missed. Always in our hearts never forgotten.

The service will be held at Peevey Funeral Home, Saturday, December 20, at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior to the service.