Keyla Diaz

Keyla Diaz Rosario, 31, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 24, 2024. Born November 20, 1992 in San Juan, Puerto Rico; gifted as a daughter to Izaris Rosario Laguna. Graduate of Interamerican University, Puerto Rico; with a Bachelor Degree in Education. Keyla was a devout follower of Jesus Christ from a young age; her beloved grandfather exposed her to Christianity, the Bible and Sunday services, all lessons and experiences she took to heart. She attended Catedral de Esperanza (CADES) in Puerto Rico, where her love for the Lord and desire to follow him grew. There she was loved and cherished by the congregation, becoming an extension of family. It was here where she met her future husband, best friend and love of her life; Felix Santiago, they dated for 5 years before their marriage ceremony on July 5, 2014 in Puerto Rico. Both were looking forward to celebrating their 10 year anniversary this coming summer, after recently celebrating the 15th anniversary of meeting each other and their first date. Felix was drawn to Keyla's outgoing personality and genuine love toward those around her, especially her amazing hugs! He compared her to a hummingbird, quickly fluttering to and fro in order to connect with as many people as she could. They moved to the United States 7 years ago and began teaching in the Rockford Public School District 205. Keyla was formerly employed at Barbour Language Academy and Nashold Early Childhood Center and currently employed at Washington Academy in Belvidere, where she taught PreK. Keyla was a polyglot, fluent in numerous languages; which helped her connect with a variety of people on both a personal and professional level over the course of her short life. The light of the Lord emanated from Keyla, her bright eyes and big smile were some of the first things people noticed about her. She was sweet, kind, caring, genuine and full of life. Whether she was interacting with her family, friends, co-workers, students or strangers; Keyla treated everyone with grace and kindness and made them feel loved and important. Felix and Keyla chose each other as young adults and committed to never quitting on their marriage or each other regardless of circumstances. There were never words spoken in anger or raised voices in their marriage. They worked together, with the help of their Lord to be the best partners they could possibly be for each other. Felix treated her like the Princess that she was; she in turn loved and treated him like the man God intended him to be. Keyla was able to always look on the brighter side of life, even when faced with adversity. She actively chose to spread joy and hope. Felix reminisced that he was always filled with so much love and respect for his wife, that he was blessed to be the one God chose as her wedded companion. Together, with God at the helm, they created a beautiful life of love, laughter, kindness and service to others. Survived by her husband, Felix Santiago; mother, Izaris Rosario Laguna; extended family in Puerto Rico; a circle of beautiful friends both near and far and her cats, Cherry and Shadow. Preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Jenny Laguna and loving friend, Rey. Celebration of Keyla's life will be on May 5, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at Forest City Church, 1280 S. Alpine Rd. Rockford. Pastor Ian McClellan will officiate. It was important to Keyla to make the world a better place with her financial contributions. In order to honor her memory, Felix requests that memorials be made to World Vision International; https://www.wvi.org/donate in lieu of sending flowers and gifts to her service. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.

Keyla Diaz

November 20, 1992 - April 24, 2024