Leticia Cruz

Leticia Cruz

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

She was born in the Philippines on February 5, 1942. She later immigrated to the United States in May 1984 in search of better opportunities and a brighter future for her family. Through hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication, she built a life centered on family, love, and resilience.

Leticia married Eugenio C. Cruz in a civil ceremony on December 13, 1965, followed by a church wedding on March 26, 1966. Together they built a life and raised their family with love and devotion. Eugenio passed away on September 29, 2023, and she carried his memory close to her heart.

She was a devoted mother to six children, a cherished sister to seven siblings, and a proud grandmother to twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world. She dedicated her life to caring for them, always putting her children and loved ones first. To her family, she was simply “Nanay,” a name spoken with love, comfort, and deep respect.

After arriving in the United States, she worked various jobs while continuing her most important role as a homemaker. No matter what life brought, she made sure her home was always a place of warmth, comfort, and generosity.

She had a special gift in the kitchen. Cooking was one of the ways she showed her love, and she found great joy in feeding family and friends. Many considered her the best cook in the family. One of her most amazing talents was being able to recreate dishes simply by tasting them. If she liked something at a restaurant, everyone already knew what would happen next—Nanay would go home, remember the flavors, and somehow recreate the same dish in her own kitchen without ever using a recipe. Somehow she could recognize every flavor, whether it was bay leaf, oregano, rosemary, or something else, and bring it all together perfectly. Watching her cook felt almost like magic.

More than anything, she was a woman who lived for her family. Her love was steady, her sacrifices were countless, and the pride she had for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was immeasurable. She would have given anything for them.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, and the many meals, conversations, and memories shared around her table. Though she is no longer with us, the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in her family.

Her kitchen was the heart of our home, and her love will continue to live on in every meal, memory, and story we share.

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.

A visitation for Leticia Cruz will be held on Sunday March 22, 2026, from 10am - 6pm at Healey Mortuary Chapel with a Rosary Service at 4pm. Her funeral Mass will be held on Monday March 23 ,2026 at 9:30am at Sacred Heart, followed by burial at Queen of Heaven.