Lisandra Soto

Born on September 10, 1960 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Lisandra Soto died on October 20, 2019 at the age of 59 after a three-year-long battle with bile duct cancer. A devoted mother, wife, and daughter, Lisandra was the anchor and beating heart of her family. Throughout the course of her illustrious career, Lisandra made sure she was always present for every family event and school function. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she graduated top of her dental school class in 1985 at the University of Puerto Rico. Soon after, she went on to form a family and open a private pediatric dentistry office. In 1998, she and her family relocated to Kalamazoo, MI where she reestablished herself as a pediatric dentist. A lifelong learner, she earned a Master in Public Health degree from Michigan State University in 2014. For over 20 years, Dr. Soto, as she was known professionally, gave an enormous part of herself to the community as a steadfast public health advocate. She had a significant impact in improving access to oral healthcare for marginalized community members in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. She is predeceased by her brother, Cruz Soto. She is survived by her loving husband Carlos Fernandez; daughters Lisandra Fernandez-Silber and Carla Fernandez-Soto; son Carlos Fernandez-Soto; parents Cruz Soto and Carmen Julia Casillas; and daughters-in law Lacie Pine-Fernandez and Natasha Fernandez-Silber. Lisandra was a dedicated member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Portage, where a memorial service will take place on Wednesday, November 6 at 7:00 pm. Her ashes will then be flown to Puerto Rico to be buried in their final resting place next to her brother. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (Love Where You Live Fund/Greatest Needs Fund), 402 East Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo MI 49007-3888. www.kalfound.org