ST.aten Island, N.Y. — The community is in mourning following the passing of Ariel Wetherby, a 44-year-old mother whose life was dedicated to her family and children.
Ariel bravely battled breast cancer for eight years before succumbing to the disease on June 24.
She leaves behind her husband, Jason (Jay) Wetherby, an esteemed firefighter with Engine 163 in Castleton Corners, who had to retire after 21 years on the job to take on the full-time role of caregiver for Ariel and their three children.
“She was a good mother,” said Jay Wetherby.
As Ariel’s condition worsened, marked by surgery and various chemotherapy treatments conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, her mobility declined, necessitating Jay’s retirement to tend to his family.
“The children, Gabriella, 15, James, 13, and Charlotte, 9, wanted her at home,” Jay shared.
Ariel’s desire to be a nurturing presence in her children’s lives was her utmost priority.
“She just wanted to take care of the kids,” he emphasized.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Ariel was fully engaged in providing the best life possible for her kids.
Young Charlotte was merely a year old when the family received the heartbreaking diagnosis.
Although Ariel enjoyed intervals of improved health throughout her treatment, the relentless illness eventually robbed her of her ability to walk.
Jay recounted how many neighbors and friends were unaware of Ariel’s condition until it significantly advanced because “she didn’t want people to worry about her.”
The former Ariel Santiago grew up in West Brighton, graduated from Curtis High School, and earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education.
Her teaching career included roles as a fourth-grade teacher at PS 102 in Brooklyn and as a special education itinerant teacher at various preschools in Staten Island.
Ariel and Jay’s love story began when they met through a mutual friend in Belmar, New Jersey.
“She was funny; she was down to earth,” Jay reflected on their initial connection.
The Jersey Shore held a special place in Ariel’s heart, and family vacations to locations like Long Beach Island created cherished memories.
She had a favorite playlist that included music from the Beach Boys and Jason Mraz.
Additionally, Ariel shared a close bond with the family cockapoo, Sadie.
Jay expressed deep gratitude towards his colleagues at the firehouse for their ongoing support throughout Ariel’s illness.
“They helped out with anything we needed,” he recalled.
In tribute to Ariel’s legacy, fellow firefighter James Long organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist Jay and the children.
The fundraiser, highlighting Ariel’s vibrant spirit and commitment to her family, has successfully raised over $30,000 of its $35,000 target.
“Every donation, big or small, makes a meaningful difference in their lives,” reads the GoFundMe page.
In addition to her husband and children, Ariel Wetherby is survived by her twin sister, Marisa Santiago; brother, David Santiago; mother, Lorraine DeSantis; stepfather, Donn Jacobsen; and stepmother, Susan Santiago.
She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Santiago.
image source from：silive
