Leida Santiago & Julius, Matias, & Francisco Sebastian Rolon

The greater Utica community mourns the loss of Leida M. “Suelie” Santiago, and her three cherished sons, Julius, Matias, and Francisco Sebastian Rolon who perished together as the result of a fire in their home on Monday, May 9, 2011. Leida M. “Suelie” Santiago, age 32, of Utica, carried her children into the arms of the Lord to become angels together. She was born in Bronx, NY on February 9, 1979; a daughter of Francisco and Nancy (Justiniano) Santiago. Suelie received her education in the Bronx and was a graduate of Clinton High School; in following years she relocated to Utica to be closer to her family. A childhood relationship began with Matthew S. Doolen, that later developed into a romance and afforded her the blessings of additional children. The couple shared many wonderful times, and they depended upon each other for their support and happiness. Leida and Matt had a friendship with each other that was worth loving. Suelie was a blessed soul from birth. A caretaker by nature, her home was always open to those in need and so many respected her for these giving qualities. As a daughter, and as she matured she was a delight. Motherhood enhanced these priorities and each day she did her very best to provide for her children with a spirited heart. She never passed up a chance to be the best she could in sharing her god given talents. Her own parents praised her for being a wonderful mother. She loved to cook, especially Spanish and Italian cuisine, and as her family started to grow, they enjoyed fishing together. Leida was of the Catholic faith and proud to have received her sacraments. Julius “JuJu” Rolon, (The greatest big brother), age 4, was born in New Hartford on March 4, 2007 to Matthew S. Doolen and Leida M. Santiago. JuJu was an outgoing child who had a loving heart and was not shy to show his affection. He was happy in nature, inquisitive, and had a ferocious independence. Like his father, he thought Spongebob was the greatest character. He was just learning his colors, and had been blessed with an ability to figure things out very quickly. JuJu was the ultimate matchbox car collector, and was mesmerized by the sounds of passing cars, motorcycles and the choo choo trains that went by his house every day. It was no surprise that the movie “CARS” was his favorite. He was fascinated by the games of basketball and football. His favorite part of the day was spent at First Nursery Preschool where he loved to learn and play, and also had a ton of friends who will miss him very much. Matias Rolon, age 2, was born on December 30, 2008, the second son to Matt and Leida. He was a definite Momma’s boy who became her third leg, but when he wanted to venture away, he certainly did. He had a very creative mind, and was content playing with his toys. He loved to stay home with his mom and was helpful around the house. His favorite toy was his big brother’s scooter and he could be seen riding it inside as well as outside the house. Many were amazed by the strength of his arm when he threw a ball, and he was definitely the “ball boy”, and had a collection that ranged from the smallest bouncing ball to the largest most colorful ball. A “favorite snapshot” of Matias was the many memories of him standing alongside his Dad under the hood of his car amazed with the many parts. Francisco Sebastian Rolon, age 1, was born on February 2, 2010, the youngest son to Matt and Leida. He was named after his maternal grandfather and shared the same birthdate, and also carried the name and legacy of his paternal great grandfather. He had an angelic and precious smile that naturally appeared on his face. He was known to his family for his unusual crawling ability and his eagerness to take his first step which came early on. His pleasant demeanor was ever present unless he was hungry or thirsty. His brothers and sister loved to tease him and he was known as the “copycat” mimicking their gestures. One of his only spoken words was “Lali” and although he was the smallest at birth, he was the biggest of the bunch, and boy did he love to eat. It was rare not to see him with his brown blankie in his mouth as he patrolled the house. Leida and her boys are survived by her parents and their Grandpa and Grandma, Francisco, Jr. and Nancy Santiago; the love of her life and their Dad, Matt Doolen; her daughter and their sister, Rosalynn Silva, age 9, who was a mature and helpful daughter and an amazing big sister to her brothers. Additionally left to mourn this loss is Matt’s mother, Louise Rolon affectionately known to her grandsons as “Mama”; and Leida’s great grandmother, Maria Serrano. Leida is survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins especially acknowledging her cousins with whom she was raised: Jeanette, Victor, Jose, and Jajaria Sanchez; Leida’s in-laws and the boy’s uncle and aunt, William Smith and Kailee Moerler who was a wonderful babysitter. Friendships were something of great importance to Suelie and because of her loyalty and the profound impact she had on people, she was admired by many. They were preceded by Leida’s infant brother, Francisco III; Leida’s great grandfather and great grandmother and namesake, Francisco, Sr. and Leida Santiago; and the boys’ great grandparents, Janet Johnson and Luis Rolon. Those wishing to pay respects to the family may do so on Saturday, May 14, 2011 from 2-4 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. (724-6714) The funeral service for Leida, Julius, Matias, and Francisco Sebastian will be offered at 4 p.m. at the conclusion of visitation at the funeral home with Father John Flanagan officiating. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family in Calvary Cemetery.