Mrs. Marta (Santos) Roman

UTICA – Mrs. Marta (Santos) Roman, age 73, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 10, 2025, after battling a brief illness. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico on July 25, 1951, Marta was the daughter of the late Ceferino and Andrea (Colon) Santos. She spent her formative years on the sunny island, until the early 1970s when she relocated to Utica, a city she was always proud to call her home. In October of 1978, Marta wed her childhood sweetheart, Jose Ramon Roman. Marta was Jose’s everything. They were extremely devoted to one another, the true definition of being the love of each other’s life. Most important to them were the Catholic values they shared; their commitment to their family was second to none. Marta held a position with Tri-State Industrial Laundry for over 30 years as a press operator. From a young age, she was taught the importance of possessing a hard work ethic, and she never wavered from it, giving her job her all. At heart, Marta was a private person, and always took on whatever life’s obstacles came at her with grace. She knew everything could be overcome. With her, excuses were not necessary. She treasured personal touch and face to face interaction with other people. She never failed to help her family members and friends, especially navigating them through the challenging task of planting roots when moving to Utica. In her spare time, she anonymously maintained the Blessed Mother statue near the Our Lady of Lourdes School campus. Her faith was of the utmost importance to her, she held it close to her heart. Marta was a long-time parishioner of St. Francis De Sales Church until it’s closure and went on to become a member of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church. She always remained focused on her personal relationship with God. Marta loved her daily walks, which were very substantial – normally about four and a half miles. She loved them most when Jose accompanied her. Shopping for a good deal and vintage items were always on Marta’s to-do list. She took pride in her home inside and out, always prizing neatness and cleanliness. She planted beautiful perennial gardens because she did not want to cut the flowers at their roots. Above all, she was most proud of how her children grew up into upstanding adults. She instilled in them her family ideals, her values, and her work ethic. She did her absolute best and succeeded in providing a better life for her children than she had herself. Marta is survived by her beloved husband, Jose; children and their spouses, Juan Carlos Díaz Santos and his wife Mariel García Pérez, Tania I. Rodriguez, Alicia Burke and her husband Carl Burke, and Luis Esteban and Bridget Roman; grandchildren, Alexia Díaz García, Sofía Díaz García; Seferino A. Díaz, Vicente Antonio Rodriguez, Jr., Pedro A. Rodriguez; Brook Lynn Roman-DiMare and Jason C. Tadlock, Hannah E. Burke, Aiden L. Burke, Molly Maria Burke; Cecilia R. Roman, and Xavier F. Roman; great-grandchildren, Oliver Reid Tadlock; Anakin Díaz; and one more expected arrival; and her sister, Gladys Raquel Roman. She further leaves to cherish her memory her brother-in-law, Dionisio; and many dear friends, with special mention of Frank “Frankito” Calaprice, and Betty Clemens. She was predeceased by her sisters, Wilgelmina, and Maria; brothers, Reynaldo, and Secundino; and in-laws, Antonio, Carmen, Gregorio, Ramon, Genaro, Lidia, and Cecelio. The Roman family would like to thank the Paramedics of the Utica Fire Department and the staff at Wynn Hospital ER and 3 West for their professional and compassionate care of Marta. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Marta’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church, 702 Columbia St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Memorial contributions in Marta’s honor may be made to St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church by mail to 702 Columbia St., Utica, NY 13502 or to a parish of your choice; envelopes will also be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Marta (Santos) Roman

July 25, 1951 - March 10, 2025