Ana Laura Santos

Ana Laura Santos, lovingly known as “Annie” or “Abuela,” passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, at the age of 94. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Ana leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, faith, and devotion to family.

Ana was born in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, to Heraclia and Eugenio Maldonado. After graduating from nursing school, she moved to Chicago, where she met and married the love of her life, Jose Luis Santos, who preceded her in death. Together, they built a loving home centered on faith, hard work, and family.

Ana dedicated her life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse. Toward the end of her nursing career, she worked at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Puerto Rico. She later transferred to the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Gainesville so that her daughters would have the opportunity to attend a good university. After many years of compassionate and dedicated service, she retired from the VA Hospital in Gainesville.

Ana was known for her beautiful smile, loving heart, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was especially vigilant in the upbringing and care of her daughters, always making sure they were protected, guided, and deeply loved.

She was also remarkably talented and resourceful — the ultimate handywoman. Ana could fix almost anything, from plumbing and electricity to carpentry, flooring, doors, and countless household repairs. She approached every task with confidence, determination, and skill.

While Ana deeply loved her daughters, her grandchildren were truly the apple of her eye. Affectionately known as “Annie” or “Abuela,” she shared a special bond with each of them and filled their lives with love, guidance, laughter, and unwavering support. Tanya Sanchez and her husband, Fabian Sanchez; Analiz Petrovich; Ruby Arcos and her husband, Lucio Arcos; and Genesis A. Gonzalez brought tremendous joy to her life. No matter what was happening in life, her daughters and grandchildren always knew she was only a phone call away.

Ana loved to travel and had a wonderful sense of adventure. She created cherished memories with her family through many adventures to places including Niagara Falls, Walt Disney World, the Mediterranean, and many other special destinations.

Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. Ana was a devout Catholic, a dedicated member of the Legion of Mary, and a faithful parishioner of St. Clare Catholic Church in Deltona.

Ana is lovingly survived by her daughters, Aura Santos and Milka Santos and her husband, Carlos Gonzalez; her grandchildren Tanya Sanchez and her husband, Fabian Sanchez; Analiz Petrovich; Ruby Arcos and her husband, Lucio Arcos; and Genesis A. Gonzalez; her sister, Nelly Hickey; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jose Luis Santos; her parents, Heraclia and Eugenio Maldonado; and her siblings: Teofilo Maldonado, Candida Piñero, Maria Cristina Montañez, Martin Maldonado, Elena Maldonado (her twin sister), Aurora Maldonado, Epifania Arroyo, and Teodoro Maldonado.

Ana’s life was a beautiful example of faith, resilience, generosity, and unconditional love. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ana Laura Santos, please visit our floral store.