Lena Ivette Santillana, age 48, passed away peacefully in her husband's arms after a well fought battle with cancer, on Tuesday, August 30, 2016. Lena was born on July 24, 1968, in Santa Clara, Cuba, to Raquel and Hugo Santillana. She was their only daughter and the love of their lives. Lena came to the U.S. on September 10, 1980 with her parents and went on to graduate from Upper Columbia Academy in 1986. She went on to obtain her Bachelor's Degree at Walla Walla University and Master's Degree from Middlebury College where she studied in history, German and Spanish languages. She obtained a position with Middlebury College, in Madrid Spain, and was an Assistant Director working with students studying Spanish abroad and also taught Spanish courses. She loved Madrid and made it her home. Lena met her husband, Stefan and they married on April 1, 2008. Lena enjoyed adventure, travel, loved animals and was a strong, independent woman who remained loyal and giving towards her friends and family. Lena enjoyed laughing and had a beautiful smile that would light up the room. Lena was a compassionate person who had consideration towards others in all situations. She is survived by her husband, two stepchildren, maternal grandmother, aunts and uncles, cousins and close friends who she considered as family.
Family, friends and others whose lives Lena touched, are invited to Loomis Funeral Home, 420 W. Main Street, Apopka, Florida for a memorial on Monday, October 3, 2016 at 6:00pm to reminisce, grieve and support each other in honor of her life.