Maria Santos

Maria Mercedes Alberto Santos, aged 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, after a brief illness.

Maria was born in Manila, Philippines, to Jesus and Henrietta Alberto on June 8, 1929. She resided both in California and New Mexico, and most recently in Lake Forest, California at the time of her passing. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Fernando Ramos Santos (1927-1998), who she married on May 8, 1953. She was a World War II survivor and she and the family migrated to the United States in the early '60s. She worked as an apartment manager for Apartment Service Company for nearly 20 years, then later co-owned and operated the family-run Ramsan Dental Lab together with her husband up until his death and her retirement in the late '90s.

Maria is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Fides T. Blake (son-in-law, Kevin), Ferinda A. Johnson (son-in-law, Don), and Fern A. Santos; and sister, Blesila A. Castro and brother-in-law, Reynaldo Castro.

A private memorial service will be held at Forest Lawn - Cypress, California, on January 7, 2026. 

The family of Maria Santos wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all the doctors, nurses and hospital staff of Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster, California and MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, for their care these last few weeks; Dr. Reynaldo Zapata and staff, Dr. Sabita Malla and staff; Fe Burks, Sally Reyes, and all friends, near and far, for their care, well wishes and condolences.

We remember Maria (Mary) Santos for her strength, courage, and love as the matriarch of our family and know that she is now reunited with our beloved father, Fernando (Andy) in heaven. May God bless their souls and may they rest in peace.