Elizabeth “Betty” M. (Galante) Santos

Elizabeth M. Santos (nee Galante) passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026 at the age of 92. She was the loving wife of the late Vidal Santos and Roberto Cruz. Devoted mother to  Robert Santos (Catherine),Daniel Santos (Francisca), Lizzy Cruz, Dalia Cruz, and Robert Cruz. Preceded in death by her children Joseph and Maria. Survived by her sisters-in-law Ann Galante and Linda Montanye, eighteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren one great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth “Betty” Galante was born in Philadelphia in November of 1933. She lived with her parents, Mary and Bill along with her brothers Bob and Bill in various neighborhoods in the city. Growing up, she was very close with her cousins, especially her cousin Marie. 

Betty married Vidal Santos and they had four children together. Sadly, her oldest son Joey died at six years of age from a brain tumor. She was later blessed with a loving partner in Roberto “Rubé” Cruz, and she was a mother to his three children as well. She enjoyed spending time in Puerto Rico.

Betty was hard-working and labored in numerous factories throughout her life. Her vocation, however, was raising children. She not only raised her children, but helped in raising her grandchildren as well. In addition, she was well-loved by all the neighborhood children on Philip Street.

Animals gave great joy to Betty. She was never without a dog, and sometimes a cat. She also had at one time or another pigs, chickens, guinea hens and a rabbit!

Betty was a faithful woman who had a particular devotion to the Blessed Mother. She loved to pray the rosary, and in later years constantly prayed the Hail Mary.

As dementia robbed Betty of her memory, it did not diminish her personality. She was still “Sassy Betty,” teasing, joking, pinching anyone within arms’ length, and  flirting with every young man in her sight.

Betty’s family will be eternally grateful to the staff at Fairview Nursing and Rehabilitation for their care of her during these past six years.

Betty will be remembered for her caring way, her love of animals, and her devotion to her family and those in need. May she rest in peace with the loved ones who went before her. 

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation and funeral Thursday February 12, 2026 beginning at 9:30am in St. Peter the Apostle Church 1019 N. 5th Street Philadelphia, PA 19123, followed by her funeral mass at 10:30am. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, PA. We ask that those who are attending park at the parking lots on North 5th Street first so that we may form the procession to the cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, a charity that is near and dear to Betty’s heart. The address is provided on the link below.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth “Betty” M. (Galante) Santos, please visit our floral store.