Susana Centeno was born in 1911 or 1912 to housewife Elisa Carrión and construction worker Arturo Centeno.[1] She was of mixed African and European ancestry.[1] Her early school years lacked stability due her family's frequent moves between Vieques, Puerto Rico and the main island due to her father's employment.[1]
In 1930, Centeno began volunteering at the José Benítez Guzmán Municipal Hospital.[1] She learned the basics of nursing and medical protocol through observation and practice.[1] She performed a variety of duties including pulling molars, participating in surgeries, conducting minor operations, preparing corpses, delivering babies, and providing couples therapy.[1] In 1947, she finished eighth grade and later earned high school and nursing diplomas.[1] Centeno apprenticed under physician Leoncio Davis and other practitioners.[1] Due in part to a shortage of medical professionals and limited governmental oversight, Centeno assumed responsibilities beyond those of a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse.[1] On January 12, 1959, a ceremony featuring Vieques mayor Antonio Rivera Rodríguez was held to recognize Centeno's public service.[1] She retired in 1961 and moved to Toa Baja, Puerto Rico to live with her daughter.[1]
In 1996, the Vieques health center was renamed in Centeno's honor.[2] The following year, she was named an Adopted Daughter and Distinguished Citizen of Toa Baja.[1] On September 6, 2002, the maternity ward at the Susana Centeno Family Health Center was inaugurated by governor Sila María Calderón.[1] Centeno was posthumously commemorated by Vieques mayor Dámaso Serrano in 2006.[1]
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