Amparo (Santiago) Fanning, age 81, passed away on May 27, 2019, in Fairfax, Virginia. She was born on July 1, 1937, in Barranquilla, Colombia, to Antonio Buendia and Ana Morales Santiago.

Amparo’s life was defined by resilience, dedication, and love for her family. She was adopted by Angel Santiago on August 18, 1948, at the Panama Canal, an event that helped shape her life’s journey. She became a proud United States citizen on February 15, 1960.

On July 17, 1961, Amparo enlisted in the United States Navy, where she honorably served her country. During her service, she met the love of her life, John Ross Fanning. They were married on September 21, 1962, and shared a devoted marriage until his passing on March 3, 1997.

Amparo worked for many years at Navy Federal Credit Union until her retirement. She was a creative and spirited woman who owned her own ceramic shop and found joy in crocheting, painting, and reading romance novels and autobiographies. She also loved shopping and was an avid bingo player. Amparo will be fondly remembered for her infectious smile and joyful laugh, which brought warmth to everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ana M. Santiago; her father, Angel Santiago; and her brothers, Antonio Santiago and Justo Santiago. She was the eldest of eleven children and is survived by her siblings: Aurelia Santiago, Alfredo Santiago, Mercedes Santiago, Napoleon Guadron, Angel Santiago, Jr., Simon Santiago, Albert Santiago, and Eva Smith.

Amparo is lovingly remembered by her three children: John E. Fanning (Julie), Christina (Fanning) Stejbach (Pete), and William (Bill) L. Fanning (Christina). She was a proud grandmother to Megan (Stejbach) Regulski (Shawn), Casey (Stejbach) Henckel (Kevin), Courtney (Stejbach) Wheelock (Graham), William (Billy) L. Fanning, Jr. (Caitlin), and Colin McNelis. Her legacy continues through her cherished great-grandchildren: Weston Henckel, Addison Henckel, Dawon Regulski, Sadie Belle Regulski, Jacob Wheelock, Maddox Fanning, Calliope Fanning, and Atlas Fanning.

Amparo’s life was a testament to love, strength, and joy. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.