Violet Leya Santiago

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our precious Violet Leya Faith Santiago, age 6, of Monroe, North Carolina, on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Violet was the beloved daughter of Eddie Martinez and Kristen Santiago. Though her time here was short, Violet's life was filled with love, laughter, and adventure. She brought joy to everyone who knew her, and she lived every day with energy and passion.

Violet faced many challenges in her young life, but she never let them define her. Despite her disabilities, she accomplished more in six years than many do in a lifetime. Her determination, courage, and joyful spirit left a lasting impact on everyone blessed to know her.

She found freedom in the waves through the Life Rolls On organization, joy in movement at A Chance to Dance, and teamwork with her friends in the Miracle League of Charlotte, where she loved playing softball. She also enjoyed swimming, horseback riding, and-most of all-being a proud big sister.

Violet's personality was larger than life. She could be sassy and a little diva at times, but her sweetness, kindness, and warmth always shined through. To know Violet was to feel her love-her presence left a permanent mark on every heart she touched.

Though her passing brings great sorrow, her life was a beautiful celebration: a celebration of laughter, passion, loyalty, and love. Violet's spirit will continue to live on through the stories, smiles, and cherished memories she leaves behind.

She is survived by her parents, Kristen Santiago and Eddie Martinez of Monroe, NC; her brother, Austin Martinez; her sisters, Skylynn and Elena Martinez; her grandparents, Leslie and Benny Santiago of Monroe, NC, Ramona Burgos of Brooklyn, NY, and Adalberto Martinez of Queens, NY; her great-grandmother, Carmen Caban of Monroe, NC; her aunt, Damaris Santiago of Monroe, NC; her uncles, Benny Santiago Jr. of Monroe, NC, Jonathan Santana of Brooklyn, NY, and Esteban Diroche of Monroe, NC; and her cousins, Sebastian, Maddox, and Amelia Diroche.

Violet now joins her beloved twin sister, Arya Martinez, in eternal rest.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Violet's memory to her dance studio, A Chance to Dance Venmo: @Kim-Smith-323 (donation given on behalf of Violet Santiago) to help other children find the joy in movement that Violet loved so dearly.

The family of Violet Leya-Faith Santiago is being cared for by: CONRAD AND THOMPSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 511 Emmett Street, Kissimmee, Florida 34741; 407-847-3188.