Santos Sajuan

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Santos Sajuan. He passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving children, grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, at the age of 91. Born on October 27, 1933, to Marcelina and Socorro Sajuan, Santos was one of 14 siblings, raised in a home where faith came first. By the age of five, he had already memorized the entire rosary, a testament to his deep spiritual foundation that would guide him throughout his life.

Santos was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Celedonia; after 60 years of marriage. Together, they built a life founded on love, faith, and sacrifice, raising a family that would carry on their legacy.

From an early age, Santos understood the value of hard work and sacrifice. As a young man, he emigrated to the United States as a migrant worker, taking on any job he could to provide for his growing family. He often worked two or three jobs at a time, never once complaining, only ever grateful for the opportunity to give his children a better life. His hands, worn from labor, were the same hands that tenderly cared for his family, the same hands that clasped together in prayer, and the same hands that uplifted those in need.

Faith was the foundation ofSantos's life. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his beliefs, serving his community with humility and unwavering devotion. He was a beacon to all who knew him, near and far a man whose light shone through his actions, his words, and most memorably, his song. His gift of music, a melody of love and faith, will continue to live on in the voices of his children, grandchildren, and the generations to come.

Santos leaves behind a beautiful legacy in his children: Salvador (Delia), Imelda (Olivo), Geraldine (Eliseo), Benjamin (Graciela), Javier (Dora), Maria Trini, Maria Del Carmen (Ignacio), Maria Elena (Enrique), Maria Luz, and Maria Esmeralda (David), as well as 28 grandchildren (spouses), 47 great-grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild. His strength, wisdom, love, and, most of all, his unwavering faith will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know him.

He was a humble warrior, a man of quiet courage and boundless kindness. We cherish his memory and will miss him forever. Yet, we hold onto the certainty that this is not goodbye, but rather, until we meet again. Until then, we will continue his legacy of unity, love, and gentle kindness, honoring the values he instilled in us.

Rest in peace, Santos. Your love, your faith, and your song will live on in us always.

Visitation will be held Tuesday March 18, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home 3012 Sheridan Road Zion, Illinois. A wake service will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.  Mass will be held Wednesday March 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Most Blessed Trinity Church 450 Keller Avenue Waukegan, Illinois. Interment to follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery.