Maria Luisa Santiago was born to the late Pablo and Ada Santiago-Ruiz on February 9, 1957 in Salinas Puerto Rico. At an early age Maria’s family made Philadelphia, PA their home. She was educated in the Philadelphia school system, and graduated from Kensington High School. Maria pursued her passion of becoming a nurse, by attending Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM).
Maria met Howard Cottman and from this union three children: Maria, Ada, and Howard Cottman were born. To meet Maria was to love her, she possessed a generous, compassionate, spirit, and was affectionately known as “Mom” throughout the neighborhood, by neighbors and friends. Most of her career, she worked at Southeast Health Center as a nurse.
Maria was reared in the Catholic religion however at the tugging of the Holy Spirit she joined and became an active member of St. Marks Outreach Baptist Church, later joining Ekklesia of North Philadelphia under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Curt Saxton. Deaconess Maria possessed the heart of a missionary, she graciously coordinated a food ministry, taught Bible study during summer camps, and at church revivals, and conducted Bible lessons from her home. Covid did not stop Maria from doing God’s work, she taught from her home, when experiencing bouts with depression she pressed on praising her God. She looked forward to visitors stopping pass to pray for and with her. Our “Mom” Maria loved the Lord!
Sunday morning January 9, 2022 Maria quietly passed from her earthly to eternal home with her Heavenly Father. Maria, Deaconess, aka” Mom” departed this life leaving pleasant, loving memories with her children Maria, Ada and Howard. One sister, a brother, grandchildren, an awesome church family, a host of relatives, neighbors and friends who loved her dearly.
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