Karen Diane Santiago

Karen Diane Santiago (nee Jackson)(62) of Lawrenceville, GA, went home to the Lord on Friday, September 23rd, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She began her life on August 30th, 1954, in Passaic, NJ as the daughter of the late Percival Jackson and Vivian Jackson (Conklin). Karen was a lifelong resident of Passaic, where she attended and graduated from St. Nicholas School, and Passaic High School. Karen worked for Colorama and Ethan Allen, but healthcare was her passion. She worked in the healthcare field for over thirty years. She previously worked for Beth Israel Hospital, Graber and Lintz Associates, General Hospital, and the Bloomfield Immedicenter until her retirement in 2015. Karen was very devoted to family and friendship; it meant everything to her. She was a vibrant person that loved life, jazz, art, travel, and cooking. She was known by all to be an excellent cook as well as hostess. Karen also was always complimented on having an immaculate and well decorated home. Pre-deceased by her father, Percival Jackson, whom she adored. She leaves to cherish wonderful memories, her mother, Vivian Jackson (nee Conklin); two brothers, Russell Jackson, of NJ; Harry Dominick of GA; one sister-in-law MaryEllen Jackson; four children, Adrienne Smith (Demetrius) of GA, Steven McCarroll (Yomaira) of TX, Geoffrey McCarroll (Jeff) of FL, and Angela McCarroll (Jamison) of NJ; as well as nine loving grandchildren, Justin, Joshua, and Brandie Smith, Kiara, Sanaa, Rashad, and Sade Rozier, and Steven and Amaya McCarroll; three nephews, Percy, Charles, Najee Jackson. Karen was the loving niece of Amanda and Jeanette Jackson, Anita Van Dunk, Frances Downing, and Andrew Conklin. Karen leaves behind a very special friend, Tyrone Frank Simpson of NJ, a very dear and loving cousin Carol Jackson, and best friends Lois Mann and Gloria Anderson. Karen was loved by many for her caring and kind gestures. She opened her home to anyone, shared her last with whoever needed it, and would lend a hand whenever she was called on. She will be truly missed. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 4th, 2016 from 5:00pm-9:00pm in Funeraria Alvarez, 66 Passaic Avenue, Passaic NJ. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 5th, 2016 at 9:00am in St. Nicholas Church, 153 Washington Place, Passaic NJ. Burial, to follow, at 10:30am in East Ridgelawn Cemetery, 255 Main Avenue, Clifton NJ.