Minerva Maria Santiago, 62, of Hyde Park, died on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at home with her loving husband by her side.  Born December 6, 1958 in Brooklyn NY, she was the daughter of the late Emanuel Montejo and Juana Gines-Montejo.  Minerva worked on Wall Street for many years before working as a Teacher's Aide for Faith Christian Academy in Poughkeepsie, NY.  In 1979 in Brooklyn NY, she married her high school sweetheart Elliot Santiago. She was a track star and he was a gymnast, and in her words she "caught him!" Together for 50 years. Mr. Santiago survives at home with his mother, Oliva Santiago whom she cared for.   Minerva was an active parishioner at Bay Ridge Christian Church in Brooklyn NY and at Reach Out church in Hyde Park NY, where she would often be found working with the women's groups; as an usher; and she loved helping in any way she could within the church and community. She made friends everywhere she went and was deeply loved by all who knew her.  Along with her husband she is survived by her three children and their partners, Melissa & Jacob Warren of Oceanview, NJ; Eiliana & Sean Garcia, of Pleasant Valley, NY; Elliot Hawk Santiago and Rebecca Mercado, of Hyde Park, NY, four grandchildren whom she adored, Cadence and Ethan Warren, and Calleigh and Leilani Garcia.  She is also survived by her twin sister Yolanda Lyttle; sisters Frances Levine, Cathy Fraser, and brother Emanuel Montejo, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  A private wake will be held for close friends and family Friday, August 20th, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Sweet's Funeral Home located at 4365 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park NY, 12538. Due to COVID restrictions we kindly ask anyone who is not directly related to the family to please consider paying their respects at the burial service.   The burial service will be held at 11:15 AM at Union Cemetery, located at 1076 Violet Ave, Hyde Park, NY 12538, which is open to anyone who would like to attend.  A memorial service will be open to all family and friends on Friday, October 1st, 2021 in Hyde Park, NY. Please check Facebook for details or email at: SantiagoFamilyNY@gmail.com    Minerva's family respectfully requests memorial donations to be sent to: Elliot Santiago 24 Shaker Lane Hyde Park NY 12538. Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Rte. 9, Hyde Park. To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com