Minerva Adams

Minerva Santana Adams aged 75 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at Fairfax Hospital. She was in the presence of her loving family. She was born on November 4, 1944 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, to Carlos and Marina Santana. Minerva was the oldest of five children. During her childhood, her father was on active duty in the United States Army. They lived throughout the United States, Germany, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. In 1962, she graduated from Ke Ahe Kai High School in Oahu, Hawaii.

Minerva’s father retired from the Army in 1972, and the family settled in Alexandria. She worked full time while she studied at George Washington University and earned her Bachelor’s degree. She worked for District of Columbia as a Social Worker for the Elderly and later as a Substance Abuse Counselor. She finally moved over to the City of Alexandria, where she worked 15 plus years as a social worker and retired in July 2009. Minerva Adams had a pure heart; she delighted in giving to clients, family, and friends.

Minerva was a proud mother of 3 sons, 7 grandchildren and 1 great grand daughter that she loved very much. Everyone called her “Grammy.” She enjoyed spoiling them; watching cartoons and taking them to their favorite restaurant. Two of her closest friends were her two sisters, Milagros and Nilda. They enjoyed watching Western movies together and decorating for the holiday.

Minerva was a resident at Manchester Lakes Senior Apartments, for the past few years, where she established new friendships and enjoyed playing bingo and chatting with the other residents.

She was preceded in death by her parents Carlos and Marina Santana and sister, Eneida Quinteros.

Minerva is survived by her children, Ramon (Mary) Santiago, North Carolina; Roberto (Caryn) Santiago, Alabama; Tony (Carla) Lopez, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Juan, Sara, Rayna, Ana, Olivia, Izzy and Ian; great- granddaughter, Bryar Rose; brothers, Junior Santana, Hawaii, and Wilfredo Santana, North Carolina; sisters, Milagros and Nilda Santana, Virginia; nieces, Jennifer, Angie and Lisa; nephews, Javier and Kermit. Minerva also leaves a host of great- nieces, great- nephews, cousins, relatives & friends.