Santa P Bonilla

Santa Paduani Bonilla, known to family and friends as Sandy, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 31st surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born in Salinas, Puerto Rico on November 28th, 1952. She came to New York City at the age of 4 where her family lived on Jackson Ave in the Bronx. It was there that she met and fell in love with her husband of 46 years, Humberto, after a fateful encounter with a volleyball. 

Santa tried to stay active and took pleasure in going for walks. She discovered crafting later in life, and found serenity in creating simple projects at both Cottonwood Cove Retirement Community and Brookdale Senior Living in Pocatello. She also enjoyed watching cowboy movies, listening to freestyle music, and collecting stuffed animals.

Santa leaves behind her 5 children, Yadira, Jasmine (Marcial), Jacqueline (Scott), Humberto Jr. (Crystal), and Michael (Dawn). She was a beloved Grandma, Nana, and Wela to 10 grandchildren, 9 grandsons and 1 beloved granddaughter. She is also survived by her older brother, Celestino Paduani. Santa is preceded in death by her husband, Humberto Bonilla, her parents, Celedonio Paduani and Santos Martinez as well as 8 of her older siblings, Jorge, Valentina, Virginia, Josefina, Carlos Vicente, Carmelo, and Juan.

Her final arrangements have been handled by Wilks Funeral Home in Chubbuck, but there will be no formal service at this time. In honor of Santa and Humberto’s final wishes, their remains will be scattered over the ocean by their children in Puerto Rico. Their children believe that they have had a joyful reunion.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.