Josefina Santiago

In Loving Memory of Josefina Santiago

January 16, 1945 ~ August 13, 2025

Josefina Santiago, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. She was born on January 16, 1945, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, to the late Ramon Santiago and Manuela Diaz Santiago.

In her early years, Josefina immigrated to Jersey City, New Jersey, determined to build a life filled with love, hard work, and family. She worked as a seamstress, dedicated her time to driving the Jersey City school buses, and most importantly, served as a devoted caretaker for her mother. Her selflessness and strength were hallmarks of her character.

Josefina had a gift for bringing people together. She loved music, cooking—especially her famous pasteles—and sewing beautiful clothing and costumes for her family. She had a sharp wit and a lighthearted sense of humor that could make anyone laugh, and she carried a joy that was rare to see diminished.

She is survived by her loving daughters: Josie Palacios, Emilie Santiago, and Eileen Gonzalez and her husband Ricardo. She was a proud grandmother to Miguel, Izayah, Ethirial, Jeremiah, Ysabella, Arsenio, Adrian, Liliana, Noah, Diego, Daniel, and Christian, and a cherished great-grandmother to Ronin. She also leaves behind her dear siblings, Tomasa and Fernando, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives who will forever treasure her memory.

Josefina will be remembered for her strength, generosity, laughter, and the love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. 

Visitation is Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City, NJ 07306. (For GPS navigation it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street). Funeral is Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the funeral home.  Funeral mass is at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 99 Broadway, Jersey City. Entombment will follow at Holy Name Mausoleum, 823 West Side Ave. Jersey City.