Birth date: Feb 22, 1947 Death date: Jan 27, 2026
Luz Rachel Santiago February 22, 1947 – January 27, 2026 Luz Rachel Santiago, known affectionately to everyone as Rachel, passed away peacefully in Tampa, Florida, on January 27, 2026. She was a woman of profound faith, boundless Read Obituary
She taught me the value of my words and reminded me of the power of prayer.
"Be careful what you say" she'd tell me. There is power in your tongue. Don't let the doctor tell you what's wrong with our body. Tell your body who God is.
She encouraged me to think differently about my illnesses - to not succumb to my pains or the temporary truth in this world.
Sister Rachel would remind me that one day this body will be no more. This flesh will take on new flesh and we will be fully healed. "This is only temporary" she'd say.
Her presence will be dearly missed. But her faith lives on in those of us who surrender to Jesus and can share His love (maybe not as loudly), passionately with those around us.
That time the teenage friends grew up and they still were friends.
She taught me the value of my words and reminded me of the power of prayer.
"Be careful what you say" she'd tell me. There is power in your tongue. Don't let the doctor tell you what's wrong with our body. Tell your body who God is.
She encouraged me to think differently about my illnesses - to not succumb to my pains or the temporary truth in this world.
Sister Rachel would remind me that one day this body will be no more. This flesh will take on new flesh and we will be fully healed. "This is only temporary" she'd say.
She would even talk about seeing Jesus like a story she once read that she couldn't wait to experience. I can almost hear her screaming from heaven, as she often did when she was passionate, "don't cry for me. I'm so happy! I'm with the Lord and I have no pain or sorrow, hallelujah!"
Sister Rachel always spoke with such passion. Her testimonies could fill a book and would make for great entertainment during long services. Let's just say she was an animated speaker.
I remember one time she told a story about being asleep on the couch and suddenly feeling a strong pressure all over her body, holding her down. She was diagnosed with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis but "this was different", she said. "It was like I was paralyzed. I wanted to wake up and I wanted to move, but I couldn't."
She encouraged us though that even in her sleep, she remembered the power of the name of Jesus, and with everything in her, she screamed "Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!" And He woke her up and she got up off the couch.
Sister Rachel loved the Lord Jesus and she was not shy about it. I remember one time hearing her tell the church "we have something special, someone who loves us no matter what! We have to tell the world brethren. They won't know unless we tell them!"
She just finished telling a story of how she had a contractor come to her home to fix something and she made sure to blast worship music while he was there! 😂 One way or another, he would hear. Even if he didn't want her talking while he worked.
Sister Rachel treated everyone exactly how they needed to be treated. As a brother and sister in Christ in need of truth or grace. Or as someone who didn't know the Lord and simply needed love and patience. Either way, she lead her life with love for God, and kindness and respect for others.
Her presence will be dearly missed. But her faith lives on in those of us who surrender to Jesus and can share His love (maybe not as loudly), passionately with those around us.
Condolences to Mr. Ralph Santiago on the loss of your devoted wife! I’m glad I had the pleasure to meet you both! She was a sweet and kind person! I enjoyed my many phone calls over the years! She was very understanding and always gave me good advice! Condolences to Michael my son in law! Condolences to Chris and Kelly and her grandchildren Hailey, Jacob and Crosse! She will truly be missed and will always be in our hearts!♥️Rest in eternal peace
Belinda Matos
