Esmeralda "Lali" Peraza Santiago, a devoted servant of God, loving wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and faithful woman of faith, entered into eternal rest at the age of 84. She was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, to Manuel Caraballo-Peraza and Gerarda López-Carrión, the firstborn of seven children. From the very beginning, Lali's life reflected purpose, compassion, and a heart tender toward the things of God.

As a young girl, Lali moved with her family to New York, where she attended school in the Bronx. Her early years were marked by a sincere spiritual hunger and a deep reverence for God. Through the faithful influence of her Uncle Isaac, she came to know the Lord personally-a moment that would shape the rest of her life. It was also through God's divine timing that, on the day of her baptism at John 3:16 Church, she met the love of her life, Christian Santiago. What began as a simple introduction blossomed into a love story rooted in faith, humility, friendship, and God's guiding hand.

On March 11, 1961, Lali married Christian Santiago, beginning a covenant marriage that would span more than six decades. Together, they built a Christ-centered home founded on prayer, sacrifice, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Lali faithfully stood beside her husband through every season of life and ministry, living out her vows "in sickness and in health" with extraordinary grace and devotion. Her love was steadfast, her support unwavering, and her faith immovable.

Lali was a woman of remarkable intellect and dedication. She attended Walton High School in the Bronx, where she excelled academically, and later pursued higher education at SUNY New Paltz, earning both her Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Elementary Education. For 25 years, she served as an elementary school teacher in Newburgh, New York, shaping young lives with patience, excellence, and genuine care. Her students were not merely pupils, but lives she nurtured and encouraged, leaving a lasting imprint far beyond the classroom.

A longtime resident of Wallkill, New York, Lali was deeply involved in church life alongside her husband, Pastor Christian Santiago, at Rock of Salvation Church. Though never seeking recognition, her quiet strength, faithful presence, and loving spirit were a blessing to all who knew her. She served with humility, supported the ministry wholeheartedly, and exemplified the beauty of a godly wife and mother.

Above all, Lali cherished her family. She was a devoted mother to her three sons-Rodney, Mark, and John-and a proud grandmother to six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Mark Santiago, in March of 2023. Her greatest joy was time spent with her family, whether reading, playing tennis, sharing stories, or simply being present with those she loved.

Lali's life was a living testimony of Proverbs 31-a woman clothed with strength and dignity, who feared the Lord and loved deeply. Her legacy is one of faithfulness, service, wisdom, and love. While her absence is deeply felt, her family and all who knew her rejoice in the assurance that she now rests in the presence of her Savior, hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

She will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Monday, December 29 at Rock of Salvation Church, 131 Cortlandt Street, Sleepy Hollow, NY. The funeral service will begin at 7:00pm immediately following visitation. A graveside service and interment will take place at 11:00am on Tuesday, December 30 at Woodlawn Cemetery, 93 Union Avenue, New Windsor, NY.

Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. For online tributes, visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com .