Zulma I. Santiago, a beloved mother, cherished grandmother and accomplished floral designer, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the age of 78. She was surrounded by her loving daughters and grandchildren after a long, courageous battle with cancer, which she faced with the grace and tenacity of a true warrior before going to meet the Lord. Born on December 23, 1947, in Coamo, Puerto Rico, Zulma was an entrepreneurial spirit who earned a degree in Business Administration from Catholic University in Ponce, P.R. At a young age, she launched her own successful floral design business in her hometown, later moving to San Juan, P.R. to continue her business. During that time, she was an active member of the Puerto Rican Florist Association, where she held the title of Secretary and received numerous awards and recognition for her excellent work. Following Hurricane Hugo in 1989, she relocated to Connecticut, where she continued her career as a Floral Designer, became a member of the Small Business Association, and was a Wilton cake design certified artist. Zulma’s greatest legacy is her devoted family, who survive her: her daughters, Caroline, Neida (Chiqui), and Leyda; her grandchildren, Diane, Ariana, Valerie, Eben, Faith, and Andrew; her great-grandchildren, Joudani (JoJo) and River; and her brothers and sisters. Her light, artistic passion, and strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
We invite family and friends to join us in honoring and celebrating the life of our beloved mother, Zulma Santiago.
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. Location: St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church
Address: 4301 Chickasaw Trail, Orlando, FL 32829
Phone: (407) 249-0906
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made in Zulma’s memory to one of her favorite charities, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital:
(https://www.stjude.org/)
We will also announce, at a later date, a memorial service in Connecticut, as requested by our mother, where she resided for many years.
Your love, prayers, and support mean so much to our family during this time.
