Maria Antonia Cruz Alvarado

She was born May 4, 1934 in Coamo, Puerto Rico, daughter of the late Sixto Luna and the late Dominica Figueroa.

Maria was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church. She retired in 1996 from Vineland Health Department in New Jersey. She was an avid gardener and had a servant's heart. She enjoyed making her home beautiful and welcoming for friends and family, but especially for her grandchildren. She also looked forward to sitting under her beloved mimosa tree with the love of her life.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Gregory Cruz, her two sons, Jose Cruz (Dina Cruz), Gregory Cruz, Jr., Daughter-in-law Tina Cruz; Grandchildren, Gregory Cruz, Christina Cruz (Chris Brown), Julia Clark (Dijon Clark), Daniel Cruz, Jonathan Cruz (Ashley Cruz), Maria Wood (Deon Wood), Anna Koo (Solomon Koo), Joseph Cruz (Brittany Sink), and Taylor McMillan. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren and countless others who loved her dearly.

A service celebrating her life and faith will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with Pastor Jonathan Falwell officiating. Interment will follow for family at the Cruz Family Cemetery.