Carole Santiago

UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION: Carole Dianne Santiago, 69, of Belvidere, passed away on June 19, 2022, in Amberwood Care Centre after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Born July 9, 1952, in Dixon, IL; the daughter of Albert and Winifred (Richesin) Schwandt. Carole married Efrain Santiago on June 24, 1984, in New York, NY. She worked as a Medical Secretary at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and was a Medical Transcriptionist for Rockford Memorial Hospital. She later worked as an accompanist for Sheila Vayenas and volunteered anywhere she could.  She was a pianist for Rockford First Assembly of God and was a piano player for the Rock Valley College Community Jazz Ensemble. Carole and Efrain enjoyed volunteering their time with the Mendelssohn Club.  She enjoyed all types of music, but her true love was Latin Jazz.  Carole was very intellectual, loved to read, and could spell and remember facts with remarkable precision. She nearly had a photographic memory and would read out of medical dictionaries for fun. She enjoyed photography, card games, making and watching home videos, and going to concerts.  She loved watching black and white movies, learning about new cultures, and always dreamed of going to Brazil.  She loved her flower gardens and was highlighted in the newspaper back in 2008 for her beautiful garden in her front yard.  She collected frogs and liked anything with butterflies on it.  Family lizards had a special place in her heart.  She was a wonderful cook and made afghans as gifts for many people.  Even with all these hobbies, her true joy came from spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband Efrain F. Santiago; her children Marcos Rivera and his son Sabastian Rivera, Allegra Santiago, and Stephen Santiago; sister-in-law Brigette Schwandt, nephews Dan (Coni) Schwandt and Alan (Monica) Schwandt, and her cousins Charlotte Coleman-Rangel, Cheryl (David) Sundine and Cathy (Duane) Bunton; sons: Ronald Coleman and Roger (Janice) Coleman.  She is predeceased by her parents: Albert and Chloe Schwandt; brother Rodney Schwandt; and sister Kristen Schwandt. A Memorial Service will be 11 am, Friday, July 1, 2022 at Rock Church, 6732 Harrison Ave. Rockford, IL 61108.  There will be a visitation at 10 until time of service and a luncheon to follow the service at the church.  Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 712 Windsor Rd., Loves Park.
www.statelinecremations.com