Enid Gisela Santos

Enid G. “Lely” Santos was born on November 21,1947, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, to Cristobal Santos and Ignacia Ramos. Around 1950, Lely and her family moved to New York City’s Lower East Side, joining the growing community of Puerto Rican families who were making New York their home.

As a young adult, Lely moved to the Bronx, New York. At the age of 24, she welcomed her first son, Arnaldo “Al” Rivera, and three years later, her second son, Daniel “Danny” Rivera.

Lely was a proud graduate of Monroe Business Institute, where she distinguished herself as valedictorian of her graduating class. She later relocated to Jamaica, Queens, before joining the wave of family members in 1988 who made Florida their home.

Lely worked at Baptist Medical Center in registration for 14 years before retiring. Throughout her life, she was known for her sense of humor, goofy personality, and genuine love for the people around her. She enjoyed the simple things that brought her joy—including Taco Bell, visiting with family, and the occasional trip to the shooting range with her son Danny.

Lely loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Real Life Christian Church. Her faith was an important part of her life and could be seen in her passion for worship music, her service in the church nursery, and her genuine love and care for others. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Real Life Christian Church in honor of Enid’s memory and her love for the Lord.

Lely leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Danny, and his wife, Monica; her grandchildren, Gabriel, Vincenzo and Nicolette; her siblings, Aida, Gloria, and Chris; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cristobal and Ignacia; her sisters, Petra, Emily, and Carmen; and her beloved son, Al.

Lely will be deeply missed, but the joy, laughter, faith, and love she shared so freely will live on in the lives of those who knew and loved her. Her family will carry forward countless memories of her humor, her warmth, and the special way she made those around her feel loved.