Teresa Jesus Santiago

Teresa Jesus Santiago 

October 15, 1937-August 17, 2024

Teresa Jesus Santiago, 86, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Saturday August 17, 2024 at Franciscan Hospital in Michigan City, IN.

She was born October 15, 1937 in Tizate, El Salvador, the daughter of Maximiliano Reyes and Francisca Ventura.

Growing up and graduating from high school in El Salvador, Teresa traveled to the United States when she was 25 years old. Living most of her life in Indiana, she was a production worker at American Rubber before retirement. Growing up, Teresa was known to be an excellent horseback rider, which she passed along to her daughters when they were young. After retirement, Teresa was known for her vibrant passions and interests. She had a green thumb, nurturing a beautiful garden where her favorite flower, roses, thrived. Cooking was another of Teresa's cherished talents; she was well known for the meals she prepared, particularly her indio viejo, po pusas, and arroz en leche. Every Christmas, she brought warmth and joy to her family gatherings by preparing tamales, a tradition that highlighted her nurturing spirit. The 4th of July was her favorite holiday of all, as she loved to watch the fireworks with her family. Teresa was known as a hard worker, but she also enjoyed her family time and loved to take care of her family, who will miss her greatly.

She is survived by her five daughters, Yancy Reyes of La Porte, IN, Zulema Reyes of La Porte, IN, Yanira (Severiano) Reyes-Sanchez, Yudy (Henry) Reyes-Oliva, Ana Cecilia Reyes; son, Ronal (Janet) Reyes of La Porte, IN; three sisters, Gloria Arias Ventura, Mila Reyes, Hilda Reyes; 24 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Nelson Reyes, Maximiliano Reyes.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends for a visitation Friday, August 23, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made in Teresa's name to the Riley Hospital for Children, 705 Riley Hospital Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.