Rachel Santiago-Dorisca

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rachel Santiago-Dorisca on Holy Saturday, April 8, 2023 after a 2 year battle with cancer. Rachel was a loving mother, grandmother, friend, and faithful Catholic who touched the lives of all who knew her. She was born in Gonaives, Haiti on February 17, 1960 and emigrated to the United States as a teenager. She ultimately made a home in Lawrence, MA filled with love, warmth, and Haitian pride. As a founding member of the Haitian Cultural Club, Rachel helped organize Haitian Night during Semana Hispana in Lawrence for many years and loved to share her culture with the community.

Rachel was a devoted mother to her three children, instilling in them the values of hard work, kindness, and faith. Her unwavering dedication to her family was a testament to her selflessness and love. She was an incredible grandmother to her four grandsons, showering them with love and affection.

Rachel was a true friend to those in need, always offering a listening ear, kind words, and support to those around her, including fostering many children. Her loyalty and devotion to family were unmatched, and she was always there for her loved ones in good times and bad. Her faith in God was a guiding force in her life and she found strength and solace in her Catholic beliefs at St. Patrick's Parish in Lawrence, where she was a member for over 30 years.

Rachel will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community. Her legacy of love, kindness, and faith will live on through the countless lives she touched. May she rest in peace, knowing that she made a profound impact on the world around her and those who knew her.

Rachel is survived by her mother and father, Marie and Jacques Dorisca, of Lawrence, MA, husband, Jose D. Santiago, daughters Tanya Santiago-Ruhling (and son-in-law Roy) of Windham, NH and Nadia Santiago of San Jose, CA, child Adrienne Santiago of Salem, NH, grandsons Desmond, Gabriel, Micah, and Oliver Ruhling of Windham, NH, sisters Kettly Santiago of New Port Richey, FL, Myrlande Mondesir of Orlando, FL, Danielle Wolff (and brother-in-law Alan) of Plaistow, NH, brother Jacob Dorisca (and sister-in-law Aleatha) of Dallas, TX, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother, Jude Dorisca, her nephew, Ricardo Santiago, and her grandson, Sebastian Ruhling.

Relatives & friends are invited to attend visiting hours at Diaz-Healy Funeral Home, 107 South Broadway, Lawrence on Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 4 - 7 p.m. Rachel's funeral will be held from the funeral home on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at St. Patrick Church, 118 South Broadway, Lawrence at 11 a.m. Interment will take place in Bellevue Cemetery, Lawrence.

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