Dolores Martinez Santeiro (1934-2025) returned to God on January 31 to join her husband, Ernesto. “Loli” brought joy to all who met her. She was born in Havana, Cuba, the daughter of a business owner and homemaker, and there met and married her lifelong partner, Ernesto Santeiro. She achieved graduate degrees in literature, philosophy and theology. She and Ernesto flourished in Cuba, but fled in 1960, after the revolution, with their 2 children -- Ernest and Maria. They settled in Maryland, where their 3rd child, Ana, was born. The family lived in Maryland, Costa Rica, Spain, Peru, and Puerto Rico when Ernesto worked for the World Bank.
They next made their home in Tampa to start their own building business. Loli approached these new challenges with the same energy and dedication that she exhibited in all aspects of her life. Loli was the rock during these days and raised three beautiful children, focusing on a living-faith and education. She guided the family and worked hard in the business. Loli and Ernesto moved to Ponte Vedra in 1997.
She saw the good in others and always tried to understand and help with kind words and deeds. She bore the crosses of life with love, patience and kindness. She taught that inner peace is not being void of adversity or noise, but being in that challenge and remaining calm in your heart.
We are taught to have a heart like Jesus. She did. She loved others as much as God loved her. As her strength diminished, and she needed care, her spirit for life and all that is good turned in a special way where she became the caregiver of those who brought her care. Her grace, poise, and elegance left a lasting impression.
She was predeceased by her parents and brother, and her husband. Her three children: Ernest (Mary Jane), Maria (Scott), Ana (Henry); 5 grandchildren: Mark (Alex), Nicole (Blake), Angela (Mike), Cristina (Mickey), Stephanie; and 2 great-grandchildren, Miles and Shelby will miss her. We are so grateful she was our Mom and for her perfect love. Mom is resting in peace in the arms of Our God of love, reunited with Dad and those she loved resting in peace before her.
Mom left the earthly life with no fanfare, but she surely received it at her heavenly entrance. Her wish for those whom she has left is that we love God and have a loving and merciful heart in all we encounter.
