Gloria Renette Santos, 76 of Lake Mary Florida, passed away on March 14th, 2023, in the comforts of her home and surrounded by her loved ones.
Affectionately known as "Renette," she was born in Shooters Hill, Manchester on March 9, 1947, to the parents of James Blackwood and Irene (Stewart) Blackwood. She attended Mizpah Primary School and Technical High School in Mandeville, Manchester. With hopes of being in the Army at the age of 19, she migrated to the United States. However, God had a different plan for her life. She became a CNA at Orange County Home and Infirmary (now known as Valley View) and Arden Hill Hospital for 10 years -- while attending beauty school at night. After obtaining her NY State Beauty License, she transferred into the beauty salon at Valley View and became head beautician – putting in a total of 25 years and retiring to Lake Mary, Florida at the age of 48.
Retirement for her, didn't mean life in a rocking chair – it was a start of a new chapter in her life. She attended Seminole College and completed continued education courses in Nursing. As an entrepreneur at heart, she opened her own beauty salon in Sanford, FL called Gloria's Unisex Salon in the late 90's. She also worked as a caregiver for a host of families while participating in various clubs and organizations, such as CSEA 1199 – Doris Turner Retiree Chapter, Jamaican Cultural Connection, The Disaster Team and 50 and Over Club at Northland Church.
Gloria Santos is preceded in death by: Her Mother Irene,"Rena" (Stewart) Blackwood, Father James Blackwood, Stepmother Icilda Blackwood, Sisters – Doreen Blackwood, Valda Forbes and Brother Don Blackwood.
She leaves behind her three adult children: Paul Newman, Charline Santos and Kevin Santos. As well her four grandchildren: Jordan Newman, Alexis Newman, Shanyse Santos and Kerina Santos and 9 siblings: George "Sir G" Blackwood, Joel "Boysie" Blackwood, Earl Blackwood, Jasset Bailey, Carl "Glen" Blackwood, Milton "Mike" Blackwood, Theresa "MissT" Blackwood, Duncan Blackwood, and Richard "Richie" Blackwood. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.
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