Mary Theresa (Wilmot) Santiago

Mary Theresa (Wilmot) Santiago, 92 of New Haven, CT, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Regency House, Wallingford, surrounded by her loving family-just as she lived her life: wrapped in love, strength and devotion.

Born in New Haven, on June 25, 1933, a daughter of the late Robert and Mary Kate (Reilly) Wilmot, Sr., she carried with her deep roots and resilience of her upbringing. She was a 1950 graduate of St. Mary's High School, where her values of faith, kindness, and community were nurtured early on. Those lessons stayed with her throughout her life and shaped the woman so many people came to admire.

Mary was widely known for working at "the store" up the hill. (Windsor Pharmacy for more than 30 years) A place that became much more than just a job. It was a gathering place, a hub of laughter, storied, and connection. She knew everyone, and everyone knew her. She didn't just serve customers; she built relationships, She took time to listen, to care, and to make each person feel important. The children of the community especially held a special place in her heart. She watched many of them grow up, offering gentle guidance, encouragement, and sometimes a little playful wisdom. To them, she was not just a familiar face behind the counter-she was comfort, safety, and love.

Mary was an original "brick baby," raised in the tribe, where strength, loyalty, and pride in family were woven into her spirit. That foundation shaped her into a woman of quiet resilience and unwavering devotion. She carried herself with dignity and warmth, and she remained deeply connected to her roots throughout her life.

Above all, she loved her grandchildren as if she had given birth to each of them herself. Her love was fierce, protective, and unconditional. They grew up with the security of knowing she would always be there-cheering them on, defending them, praying for them, and loving them without limits. Her presence was a steady anchor in their lives, a source of comfort that can never be replaced.

Her legacy lives on in the relationships she built, the lessons she taught without even realizing it, and the love she poured into her family and community. The hood will never feel quite the same without her, but her spirit will remain in the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the generations she helped shape. She was deeply loved. She will be profoundly missed, and she will forever be remembered.

Mary is survived by three daughters, Theresa Marie Gambrell and Donna Rose Santiago of New Haven and Kelly Ann Santiago of East Haven, one son, John Vitello, III of Oakdale, CT, fourteen grandchildren, twenty three great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Ricardo Santiago, Sr., a daughter, Jodi Ann Santiago-Russell, a son, Ricardo Santiago, Jr., four brothers, Robert Wilmot, Jr., James, Thomas and Joseph Wilmot, and two grandchildren, Edmund Jackson and Jermaine Tyson.

Mary's family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, March 12th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven. On Friday, March 13th, everyone is invited to go directly to St. Martin de Porres Church (Blessed Michael McGivney Parish), 136 Dixwell Ave., New Haven for a public visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated beginning at 11:00. After Mass, Mary's funeral cortege will proceed to All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Ave., North Haven for burial.

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