Francisca Maria Santana

Francisca Maria Santana, 81, of Mint Hill, North Carolina, died at her home on September 21, 2020. Francisca was born in Havana, Cuba, on October 10, 1938, the daughter of Roberto and Felicia Brito. At just 7 months into the pregnancy, her mother died and Francisca was delivered through an emergency C-section. Her father was forced to give her to a home for orphans because in 1938, it was not socially acceptable for a man to raise a girl by himself. Franchisca was never adopted and was raised by nuns in a boarding school and later in military schools. She grew up in Havana and played on the Cuban National Basketball Team and Swim Team. She had degrees in political science, nursing, and chemistry. On May 12, 1966, she came to the United States. She lived in New Jersey for a short time before moving to Miami in 1975, where she raised two daughters and became a Christian. Blessed with a talent to use her hands, she also worked as a hairdresser. When not working, she loved to dance, causing trouble, redistributing wealth and caring for others. Her faith journey is her most important and imapactful legacy. She was a fierce Christian and her faith was unshakeable. Most of all, she loved the time spent with her family and friends. Francisca is survived by her two daughters: Maria (husband Bill) Harris of Mint Hill and Jacqueline Nunez of Charlotte; grandchildren: Kelsi Harris, Nicholas Harris, Jessica (wife Jonna Lynn) Santana, Emily Nuñez, Christopher Roig; great grandchild, Braxton Francisco Raona; and brothers, Israel and Ismael Brito. She is also survived by Pastor Juan Rojas and his wife Celida (Nenita). They, along with their sons Daniela nd Juan Emilio Rojas became true family, opening their home and serving as surrogate parents as well as lifelong friends. She is further survived by numerous other relatives and friends. Francisca was preceded in death by her grandchild, Krizia Nuñez, as well as her parents. Francisca’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for her and for them. A gathering of friends and family will take place starting at 1:00 on Friday, September 25, 2020, at the funeral home, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC 28105. At 2:00, all present will gather in the funeral home chapel for a service to celebrate the life, love and blessing of this unique soul. All services will conclude at the funeral home. In honor of Francisca, all who attend are respectfully requested to wear something white or light colored. To join via ZOOM, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85095771404

Francisca Maria Santana

October 10, 1938 - September 21, 2020