Andrea Santos

Andrea Santos (Balls-Suarez), AKA “Ma, Nana, Nan Grandma, Great Grandma, GMA, Big Grandma, Aunt Andy, Big Mama”, age 77 years, passed away on November 2, 2019 at her home in Albany, N.Y. She was born on July 24, 1942, in Albany, NY. She was the daughter of the late Vera Boyzer and Reginal Shulenberg. Andrea was predeceased by her sister Louisa, her first love Antonio Balls-Saurez, her husband Peter Santos, and her daughter Louisa. She leaves behind four children Rigoberto (Balls-Suarez) wife Patricia Maria (Moore), Andrea (Fallen) husband Stanley, John (Sim), twelve grandchildren and twenty one great grandchildren. Andrea was a determined and fiercely independent woman. Besides her commitment to her children she assisted in raising her grandchildren and at times her great grandchildren. She loved bingo, music, Pepsi good food, company, and taking care of anyone in need. She craved attention, and demanded an audience, this was an attribute she upheld to the end. She was kind, funny, witty, loving and giving. There was nothing she would not go without so someone else could have. She was known for going through her phonebook and calling everyone daily including her great grandkids while in school if she couldn’t find said parent all to ask the following questions. What are you doing? Who’s there? What are you having for dinner? Did you get any mail? All the time throwing in questions about other family members just to make sure her information was correct. Though we all found this annoying, we looked forward to her call. She was a great mother, an extraordinary grandmother, an amazing human. She loved all of us no matter our flaws, or mistakes. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her life. Andrea was more than most. Her life was deeply wounded by the trials she faced. Yet she never doubted her faith. Still she gave what she could and when she could. Selfish was not a word anyone could use to describe her. Andrea was strong beyond what you saw in those beautiful blue eyes and sour beer smile. Andrea took a life some would say was too much to bear and made it a life full of abounding love. Keeping her family close and even when at war she kept us together. Andrea wasn’t known to cook anything special like other mothers/grandmothers nor did she collect anything weird. Except money, but not for herself. Just so she could pass it on to another in need. Andrea was often the center of our jokes because it was easy to get her going, even when yelling at us we knew she enjoyed every minute of it. Now she is at rest, hold her close, as I do, in your mind and your spirit. Remember the meaning of her life. Find courage to stay a close family, to help others. Find the gifts include yourself that makes, you just as special as Andrea. Remember her by her extraordinary beauty of her simple yet large heart. Ma her life and legacy continue to grow. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours at The W.C. Brady’s Sons, Inc. Funeral Home, 97 Mansion Street, Coxsackie, N.Y., on Saturday, November 9, 2019, from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Services will be held at 12:30 P.M. at the funeral home the same day with Deacon Mike officiating. Condolences may be made at www.wcbradyssonsinc.net.

Andrea Santos

July 24, 1942 - November 2, 2019