Update: 01/05/26

Our beloved aunt, Lilia Santana, has parted from this earth and is now resting with the Lord. No amount of time or composure could have prepared us for this moment. We are devastated, heartbroken, and completely verklempt.

Our family is deeply mourning the loss of a cherished family member and a mother figure to so many. Lily was someone who was always there for us—quite literally until her very last breath. At some point in our lives, each and every one of us was supported by her love, strength, and generosity.

We now humbly ask for the support of our community, extended family, and anyone whose heart has been touched by Lily. During this incredibly difficult time, we need help covering her medical and funeral expenses so we can give her the farewell she truly deserves.

To honor her life and raise funds, we will be organizing a Kermés on
January 24, 2026 @ 12:00 P.M.

321 N. Gunther Pl, Santa Ana, CA 92703

Any donation, attendance, or share means more than words can express. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support as we navigate this painful loss together.

UPDATE: 01/04/26

Our beloved aunt, Lilia Santana, is now spending her remaining days at a VITAS Hospice facility. Just days ago, our family received the heartbreaking news that her time with us is very limited—only days to, at most, a week—to say our goodbyes.

Although we’ve known about her condition for months and held onto hope, nothing could truly prepare us for the impending loss of someone who has been a mother figure to us all. Last night, 01/03, we were advised to spend as much time with her as possible as she enters the final chapter of her journey.

To everyone who has been following along, supporting us, and keeping Lily in your thoughts—thank you. We humbly ask for any contributions toward her funeral expenses so we can give her the proper burial she deserves. Time is incredibly precious right now, and every bit of support means more than words can express.

In June of 2025, my beloved aunt, Lilia Santana, admitted herself to UCI Hospital, experiencing stroke symptoms and left-side weakness. It wasn’t long before we received the heart-wrenching news: she had Stage 4 ovarian cancer, specifically Leiomyosarcoma.

The cancer spread rapidly and relentlessly through her body. Despite undergoing numerous chemotherapy and radiation treatments, the results were not as we had hoped. In just three months, the cancer reached her lungs. But Lily, always the fighter, kept pushing forward, never giving up on herself or us. Unfortunately, the disease continued to advance, and soon it spread to her brain, leaving her with severe weakness on her left side.

Lily’s journey has been nothing short of agonizing, not only for our family but especially for her. Yet, she has shown an incredible amount of strength, even in her most difficult moments. Throughout her life, she has been a beacon of love and support for others. Although she never had children of her own, she opened her heart and home to every single one of her nieces, nephews, and siblings, always nurturing, guiding, and caring for us as if we were her own.

She fed us, bathed us, laughed with us, wiped our tears, and, most importantly, loved us unconditionally. She was always there to guide us, to steer us right from wrong, and to offer the wisdom of a life lived with purpose. We owe her more than words can express.

On Monday, December 1st, my mom, her sister, received devastating news during a meeting with her doctor: the cancer had spread to Lily’s colon, heart, and blood, and doctors confirmed there was nothing more that could be done. We are now left to cherish every moment we have remaining with her.

As we sit by her side, fighting through this unimaginable pain, we are also facing the heavy burden of mounting medical expenses. Our family is struggling to manage the financial toll of this battle, and we humbly ask for your help. Any donation, no matter how small, would go a long way in easing her worries and allowing her to rest peacefully.

In these difficult times, your support means more than we can ever express. As Aunt Lily always said, “Every penny counts.” No amount is too small for the countless hearts she has touched in her lifetime.

If you have a beautiful memory of Lily, please share it with us. We want to celebrate the love and joy she has brought to all of our lives, and every story is a precious reminder of the person she is and always will be to us.

Thank you for your kindness, and may you be blessed for your generosity <3