Sotera “Nene” Santiago Obituary (1932 - 2022) - Lowell, MA

Sotera Nene Santiago (Espeleta), a 30-year resident of Lowell, was reunited with our Lord on January 24, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was 89 years old. Born in Batangas, Philippines, on April 22, 1932, Sotera was the second child among nine children of the late Gregorio and Maria (Alea) Espeleta. She was affectionately known as Nene, which means young girl. Sotera earned her teachers certificate at the National Teachers College in Manila, Philippines. On November 15, 1959, she married the love of her life, the late Almario Santiago. They were married for 42 years and were blessed with two children, Emmanuel (Carla) and Chona, and five grandchildren: Daphnee, Melissa (Ven), Earl, Gaile, and Dana. In 1992, Sotera and Almario immigrated to the United States and settled in Lowell, Massachusetts. Sotera was a cherished member of the Market Mills senior community, where she was actively involved in tai chi, yoga, and crafts. She volunteered by serving food to her fellow seniors and setting up for activities and parties. As the eldest daughter, Sotera learned from her mother about sacrificial love and hospitality. She helped raise her younger siblings and attended to their needs before her own. This self-less and caring character carried throughout her life. Aside from nurturing her two children, Sotera helped care for her grandchildren, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. She loved everyone like her own children. She was always ready to help those in need. Her home was constantly open to family and friends. Whether they were staying for a short visit or a long vacation, her guests left with full stomachs, smiles on their faces, and joy in their hearts. Sotera loved cooking Filipino food for her guests and entertaining them. Known as the mother of Lowell to her Filipino community, Sotera will be remembered for her culinary skills, engaging conversations, beautiful smile, and infectious laugh. She found joy in making other people happy. Sotera was the beloved matriarch of the extended Espeleta clan. She instilled in them the value of faith and family. Sotera treasured family reunions and gatherings, and she enjoyed visiting relatives in the Philippines, Ohio, Illinois, and California. She was very thoughtful about sending greeting cards and well-wishes over social media on loved ones birthdays and anniversaries. Her extended family is eternally grateful for her love, guidance, and support. A devout Catholic, Sotera regularly attended mass at the St. Joseph the Worker Shrine. She loved visiting the Shrines of Divine Mercy and Our Lady of La Salette with her friends. During the pandemic, she found solace by joining daily virtual masses held in the Philippines. She gave faithful devotions to the Divine Mercy, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Joseph, and the Holy Infant Jesus (Santo Nio). Aside from her loving children and grandchildren, she is survived by her brothers Godofredo (Elenita) Espeleta, Salvador Espeleta, and Galicano (Elvira) Espeleta; sisters Alicia (Jesus) Paredes and Josefina Sangco; numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and countless friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Sotera is predeceased by her brothers Angel, Guillermo, and Virgilio Espeleta. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 4th from 4pm to 8pm at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Ave., DRACUT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10am at Saint Kathryn Parish, 4 Dracut Rd., HUDSON, NH. Interment will be held privately.