Felicidad Santos

Felicidad Santos, age 91, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026. Deeply beloved by a wide community of family and friends, she was known by many nicknames, including “Fely” and “Betty,” but to those closest to her she was simply “Ate,” the Tagalog term for older sister that she embodied with quiet strength and boundless affection.

As the eldest of four siblings, Ate’s life changed when she was around twenty and her father, a soldier in the Philippines, was lost in the line of duty shortly after the birth of her youngest sibling. From that moment, her selfless love became the guiding force of her life. She worked as a hairdresser to support her family, ensuring her brothers and sisters could continue their education. That same nurturing spirit later extended across oceans and generations as she helped care for her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews in the United States. Many in the family still smile at memories of after-school visits to her salons, spinning in the chairs and asking for ice cream money, or the familiar comfort of sitting in front of Ate for a haircut rather than facing an unfamiliar barber.

Whether sharing a haircut, chatting at family gatherings, or connecting through a video call from the other side of the globe, Ate remained warm, welcoming, quick to smile, and full of laughter. Distance never diminished her love; a phone call was all it took to bring her close. Her family and friends are grateful for every moment shared with her and will forever cherish the memories she leaves behind.