Santia M. Vega

April 2, 1940-February 17, 2026

Santia M. (Torres) Vega, 85, of Dunkirk, passed away Tuesday evening, February 17, 2026 at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center in Dunkirk. Born in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, she was the wife of the late Fernando Vega and daughter of the late Francisco and Josefina (Velez) Torres.

Santia dedicated many years of her life as a devoted homemaker, nurturing her family with unwavering love and care. She greeted everyone with a big smile and a hug, embodying the spirit of warmth that brought comfort to those around her. A loving mother, Santia devoted herself wholly to her family. Family gatherings were a highlight of her life, where her love for them shone through in every moment spent together.

An exceptional cook, Santia was particularly famous for her traditional Hispanic dishes. Her culinary creations were made with love, and her passion for cooking was just one of the many ways she expressed her care for her loved ones.

She enjoyed planting flowers and taking the time to watch birds from her porch. In quieter moments, she engaged in word search puzzles and delighted in watching her favorite game shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

A devout Catholic, Santia was a devoted parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, where she drew strength and community from her faith. Her resilience was remarkable, and she was proud to be a cancer survivor

Santia is survived by her loving daughters, Mildred (Henry Butts Jr.) Vega and Maribel Vega; grandchildren, Markel (Luz Elena Cardona) Vega, Lenny and Nicole; great-grandchildren, Solomon and Theodore Vega.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by her beloved canine companion, Roxie, who she affectionately called “Luisita”.

Santia’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center for their exceptional care of Santia over the years.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 from 2-5 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, 736 Central Ave., Dunkirk, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church. Interment will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Arrangements are by R. Michael Mackowiak III; McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.