Mrs. Katherine Marie (Mason) Santiago

Mrs. Katherine Marie (Mason) Santiago, age 48, of Pacific, Missouri, and formerly of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the Pacific Care Center with her family by her side. Katherine was born in Utica on January 4, 1963, the daughter of the late Niles and Betty L. (Nelson) Mason. She was raised and educated locally and attended Notre Dame High School. On July 28, 1987 she married Rickey R. Santiago; the couple shared their hearts and home, and in 1996 they relocated to Missouri. While living in Utica, Katherine worked at St. Joseph Nursing Home and while in Missouri she was employed by the Pacific Care Center and Marymont Manor. Outgoing and enthusiastic in everything she did, Katherine always put the needs of her family and friends before her own. She asked for very little of life and always showed kindness to everyone she met during her brief journey. She was always the life of the party, sharing stories with her friends even during her illness. An altruistic soul, she also found the time to volunteer at local nursing homes. She was a former parishioner of St. Francis deSales Church and St. Bridget Catholic Church in Pacific, MO. Katherine is survived by her husband, Rickey; her daughters, Heather Santiago, and Jennifer Rose Santiago and fiancé Andrew, all of Sacramento, CA; her son, Stephen Santiago of MO; and her grandchildren, Xandra Allenann and her mother, Jennifer Allenann. In addition, she leaves her sister, Deborah Ann Mason of Ilion; her brother, Harry “Buzz” Mason of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Earl Goodhines of Marcy, and the Santiago and Mason families. She also leaves many dear and cherished friends in both Utica and Missouri. She was predeceased by her sister, Sharon Goodhines. Members of the family send their sincere thanks to the nurses and staff of the Pacific Care Facility for the care and attention shown to Katherine during her short stay. Visitation will be held on Saturday afternoon from 12-2 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in Katherine’s memory may make a donation to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Katherine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. John Buehler officiating the ceremony.

Mrs. Katherine Marie (Mason) Santiago

January 4, 1963 - September 6, 2011