Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Lucille Cecile Lopez Santos
Lucille Cecile Lopez Santos
Obituary
Guest Book
Lucille Santos Obituary
Dr. Lucille Cecile Lopez Santos left this life and found her greater glory on February 10, 2016 in San Antonio. She was born ninety years ago in Laredo, TX and spent the first years of her life in Cotulla, TX, where her father owned a grocery store.
Lucille was preceded in death by her adored husband of 48 years, Juan José ("Johnny") Santos who passed away in 1998. She was the last of her Lopez siblings to die, preceded by Lily Amanda, Leo, Ludovico, Lauro, and Lydia.
She is survived by her three sons and their spouses: Drs. George and Cindy Santos, Charles Santos and Dr. Richard Bond, and John Phillip and Frances Santos, and their daughter Francesca de la Luz. It was one of Lucille's greatest joys in this life to greet the birth of her granddaughter five years ago.
Throughout her long life of love, care and extraordinary professional accomplishments, Lucille was a beloved daughter, sister, wife and mother, as well as becoming a trailblazer in the field of education where she served as a Classroom Teacher, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent in the Edgewood and San Antonio Independent School Districts. She was also a Professor of Education at Incarnate Word College for a time in the 1970s.
Lucille was a proud graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University, and later attained her Doctorate in Education from Nova University.
She led an active public life in the arenas of education, politics and advocacy on behalf of the disadvantaged, regularly consulting with politicos and elected officials on behalf of her most passionate causes---public education and boosting opportunities for the Mexican American community. Lucille was lifelong friend of Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez, and knew Lyndon Baines Johnson dating back to his time as a teacher in Cotulla in the 1920s. President Johnson and Jimmy Carter both named her to White House Commissions on Educational issues, and Lucille was justly proud of how her unprecedented achievements as a woman in the field of education helped open the way for all the women who have succeeded her.
Amidst all of her professional achievements, Lucille was always committed to time with her family and a wide circle of friends, sharing humor and fiesta, celebrating the rich panorama of Mexican American cultura. Always extolling the values of education and public service with her sons, she spurred their successes as a Rhodes Scholar, a Psychiatrist, and an internationally recognized Performing Arts producer. Indeed, she took more pride in their accomplishments than in her own extraordinary career.
We will always hold her memory close to our hearts, remembering her exemplary life as a model for a way to live selflessly, in service to others.
A visitation will begin at 6:30 pm, with the praying of the Rosary at 7:00pm, will take place at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough, on Sunday, February 21, 2016. On Monday, February 22, 2016 at 12:30 pm, the Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 700 Dewhurst Rd. with interment to follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
You are invited to sign
the Guestbook at
www.porterloring.com
Arrangements with
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joe Lopez
February 9, 2018
Blessing and continuous prayers always your way! Love Joe Albert and family
David Huff
May 4, 2016
Lucille Santos was one of the best friends I will ever have. She guided me through my early years in education. I will miss her greatly.
Margaret M Cantu
February 20, 2016
I had the privilege of working with Dr. Santos when I was a school principal in SAISD. She was a great
lady always keeping the children of SAISD foremost in her mind. My sympathies and prayers are with
her family during this difficult time. Margaret M.I.Cantu, PhD
Richard Garcia
February 16, 2016
You will be missed by all. I would enjoy the stories of you and my Mom growing up in Cotulla and San Antonio. After my Mom passed away years age, you filled a void with your comfort and understanding. It was nice talk to you about my adventures and family joys. God Bless You and Rest in Peace.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
La Nell Sandera Grothues
February 23, 2016
To the Santos Family - Your Mom and Dad were very special people and our family (Sandera Family) lived next door to your family for many years. I know that our Dad and Mom enjoyed many visits, parties and conversations through the years. The Sandera family have many great memories of the kindness your Mom showed our Mom after our Dad passed. Mrs. Santos would make weekly visits to check on our Mom and the family so appreciated her friendship with our Mother.
May your many memories of your Mom comfort you during this difficult time when we must say goodbye to our love one but you now have another angel looking over your family. We were so blessed to have your family as neighbors.
Diane Sandera Woomer (San Antonio) and
Joe Albert lopez
February 20, 2016
My condolences to the family,I have had nothing but love for the family!! Such great memories are instilled in my heart and mind of such a great woman who will always have a place in our hearts!! Blessing...Joe Albert and Rosa Lopez
Joe Albert Lopez and family
February 19, 2016
Very missed by all!!Aunt Lucille What a wonderful person and such fond memories of your family.especially during the holidays!!!! Blessing and never forgotten!!
Julian & Esther Solis, John & Sylvia Glass
February 18, 2016
We are very sad to hear of Lucile's passing. We have many fond memories of family gatherings and celebrations. We have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Beverly Bass Patrick
February 17, 2016
So sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. My sincerest condolences. May she rest in peace.
February 29, 2016
Our prayers are with you. We remember Dr Santos when she was an administrator. We are Colonial Hill residents and we also remember her as a member of the community.
The Barrera Family
February 23, 2016
My mother Lilly Centeno was a dear friend of Lucille Santos. We last saw her when my mother celebrated her 85th birthday party at the Menger Hotel. Lucille sat next to my mother and held her hand most of the time. They laughed and shared wonderful memories of their youth. My apologies for this late response but a friend of mine happened to tell me about it without knowing the connection. Although my mother suffers from dementia and is immobile, we were happy that they got to visit with each other before their health would limit interaction. My mother loved and respected Lucille, she will be missed.
Juliette Centeno Moke
February 21, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this time of loss and sorrow. I have many fond memories of Aunt Lucille. One of mine and Kevin's favorite memories is the time Kevin and I came to have a delicious breakfast with family in her home and she was so excited that Kevin and I shared her love of menudo! She will be missed. Love you Aunt Lucille!
Sincerely,
Kevin Reuter and Leandra Urrutia
Mary Arnold Fox
February 21, 2016
I enjoyed working with Dr. Santos in the San Antonio Area Retired Teachers Association. She was a true leader and mentor. We will miss her.
Edward Gonzales
February 19, 2016
Mrs. Santos was a good friend of my parents Mr. & Mrs. Edward V Gonzales she was also my Principal At Memorial High School. You will be deeply Missed. Edward Gonzales Memorial High School class of 1973.
Roland Perez
February 18, 2016
A grand Lady... An honor and privledge to have known her.. The stars in the universe glow dim..
Margaret Condel
February 18, 2016
I had the pleasure to be a student of Dr. Santos when she was at Incarnate Word College. I became a teacher in the SAISD and was happy to see her there. Her professionalism was always complete. I admired her deeply. One night I attended a musical event sponsored by the district and saw her deep love for her husband as he sang to her. She seemed a woman who had it all. A career and a loving marriage. She loved her family and showed it each day. May she rest in peace.
Loretta Jauregui Tovar
February 18, 2016
My condolences on the lost of Mrs. Santos. She was a great example & Pioneer for Hispanic women. She was a fantastic principal. May Papa Dios bless and keep her family, close friends in His loving care during this time of sorrow. May beautiful memories of her lessen the sadness you feel with each passing day. You've accomplished your mission here in this earth and may you RIP. Forever in our hearts.
Jerry Martinez
February 18, 2016
Deepest condolences and God Bless Mrs. Santos' entire family. She was a mentor whom many of us have never forgotten. She tutored me in Parliamentary Procedure as her 8th grade Student Council President. A true testament to the extraordinary person she was we will witness in this guest book and as we bid her farewell. We love you Mrs. Santos, God Bless, Rest in Peace. Jerry Martinez, Truman Junior High Class of 1966.
Mary Lamar Gutierrez Cancino
February 17, 2016
My heart goes out to the Santos family at the loss of their beloved Mother and Grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. I remember this great woman and I know she touched many lives during her career. I was a student at Memorial HS in 1968 when she was our principal. I have great memories of that time. My sincere condolences to the Santos family.
Mary Lamar Gutierrez Cancino
February 17, 2016
My heart goes out to the Santos family at the loss of their beloved Mother, Wife, Grandmother, and friend, Mrs. Santos. She will be greatly missed. She touched so many lives throughout her career. I attended Memorial HS when she was principal there back in 1968. Blessings and sincere condolences.
February 17, 2016
My deepest condolences. I worked for Dr. Santos when I was a music educator and always respected her work in education. My prayers are with her loved ones. Paul Elizondo
Lila Galindo
February 17, 2016
A great educator and mentor, RIP, Dr. Santos
Ernestina Rodriguez Torres
February 17, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Santos' loved ones. May God comfort you in your bereavement. I have remembered her and have spoken of her often after our paths crossed. She liked the dresses I made in 8th grade Homemaking Class. We were required to model our projects for the student body. She asked if I would make 2 dresses for her. She gave me much needed self esteem every time she wore those dresses to work. My life was positively influenced by her, as I am sure were many others. Rest in peace, Mrs. Santos.
Lupe Castellano-Arenal
February 17, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Santos. She was a great teacher and mentor during my time at Cenizo Park back in the late 50's/60's. She was a wonderful and caring person. May she rest in peace.
Joe Henry Alvarado
February 17, 2016
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
1101 McCullough Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212
Make a Donation
in Lucille Santos's name
How to support Lucille's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Lucille Santos's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
