Maria (Mary) Cruz born February 24, 1937 passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 20, 2017 at the age of 80.  She was a lifelong resident of Bronx, NY.  Beloved mother of John, Benjamin, Barbara, and Aluma.  Cherished grandmother of Benjamin III, John Jr. and Julia.  Dear Aunt and friend to many extended family members.

Maria enjoyed traveling.Always up for a journey, she would travel around the world from Europe to Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean.  In her seventies, she had her greatest adventure traveling to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and even Vietnam.

Thanks for all the memories, stories, laughs and Love.

“In this life we cannot always do great things, but we can do small things with great love” Mother Teresa

She will truly be missed by all who knew her.

The Family of Maria Cruz wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all the nurses, nursing attendants, doctors and hospital staff from St. Patrick's Home Rehabilitation and Health Carethat took such wonderful care of our beautiful angel. Special thanks to Sr.Margaret Mary, Paul, Shelia, and Christina who gave the utmost care and respect for our mother.

A wake will be held to celebrate her life on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Margaret of Cortona Church on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 9:45 a.m. Committal at Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu flowers, donations can be made to St. Patrick’s Home 66 Van Cortlandt Park South, Bronx, New York 10463. Tel. (718) 519-2800.