Christina M. Santa Fe passed away on October 9, 2025, at Massachusetts General Hospital, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family, who showered her with love as she fought valiantly to stay.
Christina was born on July 16, 1985, in Malden, Massachusetts, the middle child of Frank R. and Arlene M. (Sousa) Santa Fe of West Newbury, Massachusetts. She was the bold one, the girl who pursued her own path, undaunted by traditional barriers. She walked in the shoes of her father and brother before her and was extremely proud to be a Carpenter Apprentice for the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Boston Union Local 327. Christina rose before the sun, worked in sleet and freezing temperatures, certain of its value, and the work ethic and integrity it would model for her children. She knew actions spoke louder than words, and taught her children by example to be strong, determined, kind, and resilient.
They were her greatest joy and happiness. Christina was passionate about her children, loved them with every ounce of her being, and was elated when they experienced life together. They loved fishing, watching Chase’s soccer games and Taylor’s horse-riding lessons. They vacationed in New Hampshire with extended family, hiked the White Mountains, and went to the ocean at her grandparents’ home in Kennebunkport Shores.
Christina was that special someone in the room. People were drawn to her; her quick smile, her contagious laugh, and her ability to quickly build special relationships. She adored her nieces and nephews. They knew Auntie Christina would always sit with them, listen to their lives, lend an understanding ear, and a shoulder to cry on. Then she would offer support and sage advice and send them on their way, better for the time well spent.
Christina was raised in Lowell and West Newbury before moving to Attleboro, Massachusetts. Like her mother, she loved the water and served as a lifeguard on Plum Island, Newburyport, Massachusetts. At Salem State University she was on the swim team and graduated with a BA in Psychology.
Along with her parents, she is survived by her children, Taylor and Chace Dugan of Attleboro; her sister, Ashley Santa Fe and her partner, Will Howarth of Kingston, NH; her brother, Jordan Santa Fe and his partner, Ashley Macrae of Raymond, NH; her grandparents, Helen and Edward Sousa of Kennebunkport, Maine, and her many beloved uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Josephine and Joseph Santa Fe of Lakeland, FL.
A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, October 18 at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Theresa Church, 466 Boston Rd., Billerica at 10 a.m. Her burial will take place at the Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica. In lieu of flowers, for the benefit and future needs of Christina’s children, memorial contributions may be made to the:
Christina Marie Santa Fe Trust,
c/o A. Santa Fe, 79 Garden St.,
W. Newbury, MA 01985
Previous Events
Funeral Mass
18
Oct
466 Boston Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
Burial
18
Oct
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
