Nilda Luz Rosario Santiago

Nilda Luz Rosario Santiago, age 67, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026, at Waters Edge Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Puerto Rico, March 18, 1958, daughter Miguel Angel Rosario and the late Carmen Iris Santiago Reyes. She was united in marriage to Luis Angel Villafañe October 31, 1981, and they moved to Racine in 1989.

Nilda’s passion was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose world centered around her family. She loved her family deeply and fiercely, always being protective of not only them, but those she held close. Beyond her children and grandchildren, her greatest love was her beloved, late husband, Luis “Chandy” Villafañe. Their love knew no bounds. It began 51 years ago, when they were just sixteen, and grew stronger with each passing year. They cared for and cherished one another, sustaining a lasting bond and honoring their vow of remaining devoted partners until death parted them.

Nilda was a vibrant soul One of the ways Nilda expressed love was through cooking. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, where meals were more than food; they were her way of showing love and care for everyone around her. She especially loved to dance in the kitchen while she cooked, it was contagious and filled the home with warmth, energy, and joy. She loved life and celebrated it often. Though she was small in stature, she carried a big, lively personality that could fill any room. She had a special love for plants and for anything that reminded her of her native Puerto Rico, keeping that connection close to her heart. Even on her hardest days, she made sure to look her best, because it lifted her spirit and reflected her strength and vibrance. Her absence will be deeply felt in the quiet moments and everyday routines, and she will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Surviving are her son, Luis Angel Villafañe, Jr; daughter, Gretchen Linette Villafañe-Kost; grandchildren, Luis Angel Villafañe III, Aliana Rose Villafañe, Evalisse Angel Villafañe Kost; father Miguel Angel Rosario Perez, and brothers Luis Rafael Rosario Santiago and Miguel Angel Rosario Santiago.

Private services will be held followed by interment at Graceland Cemetery.