Leticia Cruz

Leticia Cruz, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born in the Philippines on February 5, 1942, she immigrated to the United States in May 1984 seeking better opportunities for her family. Through hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication, she built a life centered on family, love, and resilience. She married Eugenio C. Cruz in a civil ceremony on December 13, 1965, followed by a church wedding on March 26, 1966. Together they raised their family with love and devotion. Eugenio passed away on September 29, 2023, and she carried his memory with her always.

A devoted mother to six children and cherished sister to seven siblings, Leticia was a proud grandmother to twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world. To them she was simply “Nanay,” a name spoken with love, comfort, and deep respect. After arriving in the United States, she worked various jobs while remaining first and foremost a homemaker, creating a home filled with warmth, comfort, and generosity.

Leticia had a special gift in the kitchen, where cooking became one of her most joyful ways of showing love. Many considered her the best cook in the family. She could taste a dish once and later recreate it perfectly at home without a recipe, recognizing every herb and spice with remarkable precision. Her kitchen was the heart of the home, and she will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and the many meals, conversations, and memories shared around her table. Her steady love and countless sacrifices remain a lasting source of pride for all who knew her.

She is survived by her six children, four siblings, twelve grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, along with many relatives and friends whose lives she touched.