Manuela Santana

Manuela (Nelly) Santana passed away on July 15, 2026, in Sebring, Florida. Manuela was born in Puerto Rico to the late Benito and Alberta Rodriguez (). Manuela (Nelly) retired from working as a nurse for the Veteran Association. She was proud to be the inspiration for her family to follow in her footsteps by working in the medical field. She loved coffee, loved her children and grandchildren, and was the matriarch of the family. She is survived by her children, Doris Feliciano and Hector Peralta; one brother, Vitin Rodriguez; and her grandchildren, Ricky Cruz, David Vega, Sally Vega, Sheila Vega-Burgos, Lisa Peralta-Carroll, Nestor Peralta Jr, Eneliz Peralta, Emilly Peralta-Trice, Jay Peralta, Shelly Peralta, and Hector Peralta Jr. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: David Jr., Tiffany, Kristina, Gabby, Maddie, Danny, Juan, Brittany, Nestor III, Selena, Thalia, Victor, Noreliz, Derek, Monika, Abbygail T., Abigail P., Alexis, Justine, Haley, Liam, Mateo, Rachel, and Kaitlyn; and her great-great-grandchildren: Savannah, Jax, Christopher, Adala, Amyla, Alia, Adriel, Braelynn, Braxton, Grayson, Victor's son, Victor's daughter, Noah, and Elena. Manuela was preceded in death by her husband of 30+ years, Miguel Santana, and her son, Nestor Peralta Sr. Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home in Avon Park, Florida. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at St. Catherine Church in Sebring, Florida.