Theo Eliseo Santamaria

Theo Eliseo Santamaria, 16 months, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. He was born on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, to his loving parents, Noe Santamaria and Elizabeth Tidei-Santamaria.

Theo was the light of his family's world. There was never a more mischievous, adventurous, smiley, happy baby. From driving his little bumper car to trying to jump off any surface to keep up with his brother, Theo lived his life to the fullest. One of his favorite things to do was eat, he loved having a second dinner with momma or mooching off anyone who had some food. He lived to eat. He shared his love with his doggy sister, who will miss the endless scraps he fed her. It would be "one for Theo, one for Willow". Theo's vocabulary was growing everyday, he picked up words so quickly and was helping his big brother in the process. He loved singing as he fell asleep and loved playing with his trains, he was non-stop energy. He accomplished so much in his short time on this Earth. His name means "God's gift" and he truly was the best son, brother and best friend his family could ask for. This isn't goodbye, but we will meet again soon with our precious baby Theo.

Theo leaves to cherish his beloved memory, his parents, Noe and Elizabeth; his older brother, Noah Santamaria; maternal grandparents, Peter and Lynne Tidei; paternal grandparents, Noe and Gloria Santamaria; aunts and uncles, Lynn (Shaun) Santamaria-Eilert , Ruthanne (Josiah) Erwin, Annabella (Daniel) Conway, and James (Sarabeth) Tidei; cousins, Omega, Odette, Walker, and Raphael Tidei; great aunt Giuliana Tidei, and Lisa (Stephen) Eidson, Emma (Manuel) Reyes, Margarita (Federico) Rubio, Esperanza (Refugio) Martinez, Teresa (Eleuterio) Jauregui, Loly (Mauricio) Martinez, Leticia Piña; great Uncle Tony (Suzanne) Tidei, Stuart (Judy) Auchterlonie, Felipe (Laura) Piña, Fernando Piña, Enrique Piña, Jose Piña; and many more extended family and friends.

Theo is preceded in death by his great grandparents, Amabilia and Gaetano Tidei, James and Ruth Ann Auchterlonie, Juan and Herlinda Santamaria, Maria Piña; great aunt, Gisela Piña; and great uncle, Francisco Piña.  

A celebration of Theo’s life will be held on Saturday, March 8th, from 2-4 pm, at Hawthorn Church of Christ, 240 US Highway 45, Indian Creek, IL. Private family event to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations are being collected to help cover medical costs, and any additional needs for the family at https://gofund.me/21a0dcfe.

Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee, IL. You may leave online condolences at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719.

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