Obituary: Gloria Santiago, 42, of Waltham

The following is from Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home.

Gloria Santiago, of Waltham, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014. She was 42.

Gloria was a lifelong resident of Waltham and a 1991 graduate of Waltham High School. She worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Paul Lombardo in Burlington. She also worked as an administrative assistant at Sapphire Salon in Waltham.

Gloria loved basketball; she was an IAABO Board 175 certified varsity official. Although she had only been an official for several years, other officials would often seek her out for advice. Because of her dedication and knowledge, she was a very well respected member of the officiating community.

Her real passion was her two cherished boys Cole Anthony and Cameron Antonio Soave. Her life revolved around getting them to practice, watching their games, whether it was hockey, lacrosse or whatever sport they were playing at the time. She was always there supporting and cheering them on.

Besides her cherished sons she is survived by her devoted mother Aracelis “Sally” Santiago of Waltham, her beloved sisters Ana Rosa Pugliese and her husband Gary of California and Marisol Hernandez and her husband Gerardo of Waltham and her twin sister Ada Vasquez of Marlborough. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and Godchildren.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend funeral services at the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons, 773 Moody St., WALTHAM, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, at 9 a.m. with a mass of Christian burial in celebration of Gloria’s life at Saint Mary’s Church, 145 School St., at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Parking attendants will be on duty.

Please at the family’s request in lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made to Soave Children Fund, Rockland Trust, 75 Moody St., Waltham, MA 02453.