Lena Ivette Santillana, age 48, passed away peacefully in her husband's arms after a well fought battle with cancer, on Tuesday, August 30, 2016. Lena was born on July 24, 1968, in Santa Clara, Cuba, to Raquel and Hugo Santillana. She was their only daughter and the love of their lives. Lena came to the U.S. on September 10, 1980 with her parents and went on to graduate from Upper Columbia Academy in 1986. She went on to obtain her Bachelor's Degree at Walla Walla University and Master's Degree from Middlebury College where she studied in history, German and Spanish languages. She obtained a position with Middlebury College, in Madrid Spain, and was an Assistant Director working with students studying Spanish abroad and also taught Spanish courses. She loved Madrid and made it her home. Lena met her husband, Stefan and they married on April 1, 2008. Lena enjoyed adventure, travel, loved animals and was a strong, independent woman who remained loyal and giving towards her friends and family. Lena enjoyed laughing and had a beautiful smile that would light up the room. Lena was a compassionate person who had consideration towards others in all situations. She is survived by her husband, two stepchildren, maternal grandmother, aunts and uncles, cousins and close friends who she considered as family.
Family, friends and others whose lives Lena touched, are invited to Loomis Funeral Home, 420 W. Main Street, Apopka, Florida for a memorial on Monday, October 3, 2016 at 6:00pm to reminisce, grieve and support each other in honor of her life.
Service
Time of Remembrance
Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church
515 Harley Lester Lane Apopka 32703
18:00:00
Sarah Penman says
Laura Wolverton says
Ronda Rogers says
Merrie (Barber) Davis says
I have only good memories of Lena from High School. She was always so full of energy and laughter. I pray for comfort and hope for her family members and friends. Remember the good times.
Sarah Penman says
A truly beautiful person both inside and out . Your smile and radiance will be missed. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon you . X
Stefan says
Vally Perry and hear family says
Vally Perry says
Lena, guajirita, te recordar siempre. Gracias por una amistad hermoso.
Linnea Torkelsen / Upper Columbia Academy says
We are so sorry for your loss of the lovely Lena. May God bless you as you grieve, and comfort you as well. I know her classmates will miss her at their reunions in the years to come.
Raisa, Ariel and Angelina says
Expression of Sympathy says
An URN MEMORIAL WREATH was sent on September 27, 2016
Lena you are free from all pain and suffering and be with God. I will see you soon.
Expression of Sympathy says
An A GARDEN PATH was sent on September 27, 2016
Aun que fue poco tiempo en que te conosi , fuiste una persona Alegre y muy buena conmigo te estranamos y siempre vas ha estar en nuestros corrazones ariel raisa y Angelina
Expression of Sympathy says
A GARDEN PATH was sent on September 27, 2016
De Ariel
Expression of Sympathy says
A MONET’S GARDEN BASKET was sent on September 27, 2016
De Ariel
Expression of Sympathy says
A SOFT AND SWEET MEMORIES STANDING SPRAY was sent on September 27, 2016
I love u and miss you dearly.
Expression of Sympathy says
A MOUNTAIN MEADOW PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent on October 1, 2016
Rest In Peace Dear Lena!
Santillana-Lopez Family
Expression of Sympathy says
A TABLE BASKET was sent on October 1, 2016
“Vere tu rostro cuando despierte a tu semejanza.” Sal 17: 15
Con amor, Arnoldo y Loida
Terrie Aamodt says
I am so sorry to hear about Lena’s passing. We were connected on Facebook for the past year or so. I remember Lena as a bright and capable student who was always positive. One day she told our U. S. history class in detail about how she arrived in the United States. It was a very dramatic and moving story. I will never forget it. We lost a bright light when Lena passed away, and I feel so privileged to have been able to know her when she was attending Walla Walla College. We grieve with her family and look forward to a reunion in a better place.
Beatrice Letizia Bongiorno says
I just learned about Lena’s premature passing through the Middlebury Magazine I received this month. My heart jumped when I saw her name! We graduated from Middlebury Spanish School in Madrid around the same time. I fell in love with Madrid when she did. I cherish so many wonderful memories of those times! She was caring, funny, and bright. I saw her a couple of more times in Madrid and VT since 92-93. She was so lucky to have stayed in Madrid. May God bring comfort to her husband & family. Que’ en paz descanses querida Lena. Un abrazo hasta el cielo de la italiana.