Santa Gonzalez Blanco

On August 13, 2026, at the age of 88, Santa Gonzalez Blanco, of New Britain, Connecticut, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, passing away peacefully at home just like she wished. While the “Long Goodbye” was difficult for those who loved her, our hearts are full knowing that she is reunited with the love of her life, her husband, Daniel Rumayor Blanco, in eternal peace.

Santa was born on December 28, 1937, in Cuba, to Mercedes and Epifanio. A woman of immense strength and courage, she and Daniel fled communism in search of freedom and the promise of a better life. Together, they came to the United States and began building their life in California, where Santa worked as a seamstress. Their journey later took them to Florida and eventually to New Britain, Connecticut. Through every move and new beginning, Santa's faith, determination, and devotion to family remained constant.

Santa and Daniel built a life together that would span 66 years of marriage, rooted in love, faith, sacrifice, and devotion. Santa became a mother and devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her family and caring for her home. As the years passed, the family she treasured grew, and she embraced each new role—from wife and mother to grandmother and, eventually, great-grandmother. Being surrounded by the people she loved brought her some of life's greatest joy.

Her faith was woven throughout her life. Santa was a good servant who lived her beliefs through service. She assisted Daniel in his church ministries and was always ready to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Family, faith, and helping others were not simply things Santa valued; they were the way she lived her life.

Santa also knew how to enjoy that life. She loved reading and music, danced well into her 80s, and was often the life of the party. She was spicy with personality, and an unmistakable zest for life. She especially loved holidays and family gatherings when the people she treasured could all be together.

Santa had a passion for cooking, and feeding you was one of the ways she expressed her love. Her kitchen was a place where food and family came together. She passed her talent and love of cooking on to her daughter, husband, and grandsons. What she taught them in her kitchen became another part of her legacy—one that will continue to be shared around family tables for generations to come.

Even at 88, Santa's love of music and her deep faith remained a beautiful part of who she was. She could still sing a familiar song from memory and recite treasured Bible verses. Her grandsons, who had always been the apple of her eye, and even in her final days, the sight of them or her great-grandchildren, Meadow and Leo, could still make her giddy with joy. These moments were beautiful reminders of the love, faith, and spirit that remained with her throughout her life. A beautiful reminder that even when memories fade, love remains.

Santa is survived by her daughter, Sandra Anglis, and son, John Anglis; her grandsons, John Anglis and his wife, Breanna, Alexander Anglis and his wife, Karli; and her great-grandchildren, Meadow and Leo. She is also survived by her grandsons, Erik Blanco, and Noe Serna, and by her beloved Ildaura Gamino.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Daniel Rumayor Blanco; her mother, Mercedes; her father, Epifanio; her father-in-law, Claudio; and her dear mother-in-law, Martina.

Although Santa's passing leaves an emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her, she leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves a new generation who will carry forward her values, her teachings, her faith, her love of family, and her commitment to helping others. Her legacy will live on around family tables, in kitchens filled with food, in music and dancing, in acts of kindness, and in the faith she so deeply cherished. And while her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the comfort of knowing that she is free from pain, reunited with Pipa, and in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Calling hours and funeral services will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home in New Britain, Connecticut. A Christian burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in New Britain. Family and friends will gather afterward for a Celebration of Life.