Vila Mak

We are deeply saddened to announce the departure of Vila Mak, age 44, of Pontiac, Michigan. Vila has long been battling her heart condition but unexpectedly passed away on March 14, 2025, due to a cardiopulmonary arrest.

Vila was a bright and beautiful person — inside and out. She was a devoted mother of 3, an exceptional wife, a filial daughter, and the best sister anyone could ever ask for. Vila was a dear friend to many. She would walk into any room and immediately light up the place with her loud presence and smile— literally. She was dedicated to her career as a relationship banker at Bank of America for nearly 2 decades. There, she created everlasting friendships at multiple banking centers and volunteered for the most meaningful events and organizations. All in all, Vila’s endeavors always comprised of family, friends and work.

She is survived by her mother, Doeung Mak; her husband, Gene Santos; her sons, Dimitri and Giovanni Santos; and her daughter, Isabella Santos. She leaves behind her siblings whom were given her most unconditional love: Carrie, Mary and Tony Mak, her nephews Isiah and Malakai Huot and her nieces Makayla Huot and Annaly Noum. She also leaves behind her aunts, uncles, cousins and second cousins and amazing friends whom she loved dearly.

There will be a Buddhist ceremony on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 5:30 pm at the Monirattanaram Buddhist Temple located on 243 Norton St. Pontiac, MI 48341.
Vila's funeral will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 3:00pm at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home located at 46 Williams St. Pontiac, Michigan 48341.  The family will welcome friends at the funeral home from 1:00pm until the time of service.

A message from her family: We would like to express our utmost gratitude to Vila’s most cherished friends, who we consider family, Noel and Carla. Thank you for always being there for Vila and her children through thick and thin. Thank you for always taking the long drives to U of M in the rain, sleet and snow for Vila’s treatments and hospitalizations. Thank you to all her friends from Bank of America who reached out to us during this difficult time to offer condolences and help. Thank you to the care team at McLaren Hospital that did everything they could to try to save our beloved Vila. Thank you to her friends for always putting a smile on her face and always showering her with love. And thank you to our extended family who have been our greatest support system in all of this. We are eternally grateful to each and every one of you.