SANTIAGO , Teresa (nee Martin) January 7, 1927 - June 12, 2009 Teresa Santiago passed away on Friday, June 12, 2009 at Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 82 years from respiratory failure during her short but courageous struggle with lymphoma. She was predeceased by her parents Leon Martin and Felipa Munoz, her brother Paulino Martin and in 1996 by her loving husband of forty-three years, Antonio Santiago and will be forever loved, missed and remembered by her sons Juan Antonio (Tony) and Luis Miguel (Mike), daughters-in-law Monica and Alanah, grandchildren Daniel, Erin, Jonathan and Jordan, and numerous family and friends in Spain and Calgary. Teresa was born in Madrid, Spain, on January 7, 1927 and immigrated with her husband and two sons to Calgary on July 31, 1964 where they made a wonderful life together. In 1985 Antonio and Teresa retired and moved to Alicante, Spain, returning frequently to Canada to spend time with their children and grandchildren. She moved back to Canada in 2002 to be nearer to her family and traveled with her children and grandchildren throughout Europe and North America right up until her 82nd birthday. In addition to traveling Teresa loved to cook and watch her grandchildren grow up. She never missed an opportunity to watch her grandchildren play hockey, baseball, soccer, an equestrian event and numerous other activities they were involved with. She had a passion for learning and went back to school at the age of seventy-six taking classes to improve her English and also received her first laptop computer the same year where she enjoyed surfing the net and keeping in touch with relatives via email. Teresa loved to talk to anyone and everyone who would listen about anything and everything. Teresa was a beautiful, gentle person with a huge heart, a loving, caring and devoted wife, mother, "abuela", neighbour and friend who always found the positive in everyone and everything. Her hugs and kisses will be terribly missed by her family and friends and all who were fortunate enough to have been blessed with her friendship. Besos y abrazos, abuela. The family wishes to thank the caring doctors, nurses and staff of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and the Special Services Unit 57 at the Foothills Hospital for her great care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre or the charity of one's choice. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Teresa's Life will take place at LEYDEN'S Chapel of Remembrance (corner of 17 Avenue and 2 Street S.W.) on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to LEYDEN'S FUNERAL HOME, RECEPTION & CREMATION CENTRE. Telephone: 403-228-4422. Published in the Calgary Herald from 6/16/2009- 6/17/2009