Wilma J. Santana, 71, of Lebanon, PA, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. She was the wife of Rene Santana. Born in Lebanon, PA, on March 26, 1954, Wilma was a daughter of the late William J. and Kathryn A. (Rott) Gustager.

Wilma was preceded in death by her sister, Kathryn L. Gustager. She is survived by her sisters, Gerry Burmester, of Baldwin, IL, Patricia Renshaw, of Ono, PA, and Jeanne Ruiz, of Lebanon, PA, along with several individuals she lovingly considered brothers and sisters within the Santana family.

Wilma shared 51 years of marriage with her beloved husband, a partnership built on love, patience, and more than a few shared laughs. She was a devoted mother to her children, Rene W. Santana, spouse of Michele L. Santana, and Ashley J. Speraw, spouse of Richard M. Speraw. She was an exceptionally proud grandmother who absolutely adored her grandsons, Declan and Sebastian. If there was ever a question about where her heart was, the answer was always with her family.

Wilma was a caretaker at heart with a creative soul and busy hands. When she wasn’t caring for her grandsons or watching them play hockey and lacrosse, you could find her at classic car shows with her husband, crocheting, or scrapbooking. She also enjoyed baking and making celebratory cakes for family and friends.

Music was always nearby. She loved the timeless sounds of Motown, especially Diana Ross and The Supremes. Their songs were often the soundtrack to her home, her heart, and her life.

Faced with a cancer diagnosis, Wilma proved once again how strong she was—a fighter, always comparing her journey to that of Rocky Balboa. She left this world on her terms, with dignity, positivity, grace, and the same quiet determination she carried all her life.

She will be missed beyond words and remembered every time a favorite song comes on, a dessert is shared, or a handmade treasure is held close.

Funeral services will be held on Feb. 6, 2026, at Thompson Funeral Home Inc., 126 S. 9th St., Lebanon, PA 17042, with visitation hours from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and service immediately following. Internment will be held at the convenience of the family. The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.

At Thompson Funeral Home, four generations of the Thompson family have offered their knowledge, compassion, and experience while serving the families of the Lebanon area for the past 135 years.