Alicia Hidalgo Santos

Alicia "Alice" Hidalgo Santos, a devoted educator, loving mother, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, in Tega Cay, South Carolina. She was 88 years old.

Born on May 20, 1937, in Biñan, Laguna, Philippines, Alicia was a precocious student from an early age. She skipped three years of high school and graduated alongside her oldest sister in 1952, when she was named Valedictorian of Lake Shore High School, where her father was Principal. Her academic brilliance led her to the University of the Philippines (U.P.), where she earned both her Bachelor's and Master’s degree by the age of 19. When she completed her Master's degree in Education and Mathematics, she began teaching in 1956—a role that would blossom into a lifelong vocation.

She married Architect Carlos Santos in 1960 and subsequently had two children, Cherie and Rene in 1961 and 1963.

In 1963, Alicia followed Carlos to the U.S. to pursue her Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Florida. After earning her doctorate in 1966, she returned to the Philippines and resumed teaching at the University of the Philippines (U.P.) from 1966 to 1972, where she inspired students with her passion for mathematics and dedication to education. While working full time as a Math professor at U.P., she gave birth to twins Grace and Joy in 1970.

In 1972, Alicia and her family emigrated to the United States. The following year, she began teaching at Northern Virginia Community College (NoVa) in Springfield, Virginia. Over nearly three decades at NoVa—from 1973 until her retirement in 2002—she mentored generations of students, many of whom went on to become educators themselves. A consummate teacher and lifelong learner, Alicia embraced new challenges with enthusiasm; during the 1980s, she took computer programming courses as part of her continuing education and once remarked that she might have pursued computer science had it been available earlier in her career.

Alicia's intellectual pursuits extended beyond the classroom. Earlier in her marriage, she and her husband Carlos enjoyed playing Bridge card games daily—a tradition she continued with fellow Math co-teachers at U.P.. She taught card games to her children as well, as educational tools and shared countless hours playing Scrabble and Sudoku with her grandchildren later in life. Crossword puzzles were a beloved pastime for both Alicia and Carlos; their friendly rivalry over solving them became a hallmark of their enduring partnership and marriage.

Faith was a cornerstone of Alicia’s life. A devout Catholic, she raised all of her children in the Catholic faith alongside Carlos. Throughout her life in Northern Virginia and later Rock Hill, South Carolina, she remained an active member of several parish communities—including St. Anne’s and St. Philip Neri Catholic Church—and participated faithfully in church activities. Before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, she found solace and connection through nightly virtual gatherings with her fellow-Filipino Rock Hill Rosary Group.

Alicia is lovingly remembered by her children: Rossana (Cherie) Hidalgo Santos, Rene Carlos Santos, Grace Elizabeth Sammartino, and Joycelyn Angelica Santos; grandchildren: Jordan Santos, Chelsea Santos Pedigo, Matthias Wuest, Thee Santos, Olivia Sammartino, Lily Sammartino, Andrew Garlock, and Nathan Garlock; and great- grandchildren: Kirsch Pedigo and Leo Santos. She is also survived by her brother Merlin Hidalgo and sister Felina (Baby) Repollo.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Carlos Soriano Santos; sisters Leticia Hernandez, Tricita Quimio, Germinia (Minnie) Collado; and brother Elizondo Hidalgo.

Alicia's legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched—as a teacher who opened minds to the beauty of mathematics; as a mother and grandmother who nurtured curiosity through games and learning; and as a woman whose faith guided her every step.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church or to the American Kidney Fund in memory of Professor Alicia Hidalgo Santos. 

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. A Funeral Mass will be held on January 28, 2025, at St. Philip Neri Church, located at 292 Munn Road East, Fort Mill, SC. Celebration of Life and Lunch will be served after Mass at the Fish Market in Baxter Village, 990 Market Street, Fort Mill, SC. 

Please RSVP for all of Alicia's funeral services here.