Sofia Sta. Romana Cruz

Sofia S.R. Cruz was born on September 18th, 1926. She passed away at the age of 90 in Vancouver, British Columbia on April 5th, 2017, surrounded by her family. She was the youngest in a family of twelve children. Her parents were Leonardo A. Sta. Romana and Gorgonia Osias, both of Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.

Sofia had a passion for education. She completed her Master’s Degree in University of Sto. Thomas and Doctorate Degree in University of San Carlos.

Sofia was an educator and guidance counselor at St. Theresa’s College in Cebu City, Philippines. Her students affectionately called her Madame Cruz.

Sofia not only had a thriving career, she also dedicated her life to her family. On May 3rd, 1952, she married Mario Cruz. They were married 35 years until his death on September 14th, 1987. They had four children, Grace, Michael, Christie, and Marilou, and raised them in Cebu City, Philippines.

Sofia and Mario moved to Vancouver, BC, Canada in 1982 with their daughter Marilou. Vancouver welcomed them with the immigrant life, but they persevered. Sofia decided to continue her love for education and studied Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Langara College, while working in a nursing home. She found a job she truly loved; she became an Early Childhood Educator at the Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia (ISS-BC).

During this time, Sofia lost her husband Mario; she was a widow at the age of 61 and she understood that life needed to move on. Her career kept her busy, as well as her many volunteer commitments. She became involved in the Senior Group at the South Vancouver Neighbourhood House and the Outreach Services Program at Corpus Christi Parish. She also became a volunteer counselor at the Senior Centre of British Columbia and eventually became a member of their board. In 1997, the Association of Neighbourhood Houses of Greater Vancouver awarded her for her volunteerism.

Sofia was a woman of faith. She was called to serve the Lord as a Third-Order Franciscan in 2003.

Sofia enjoyed her days at the Royal Arch Masonic Home, playing Bingo on Wednesdays and spending time with her friends.

Sofia is survived by her four children: Grace, Michael and his wife Lycette, Christie, and Marilou and her husband Julio; her grandchildren Joanne and her husband Raymund, Lianne and her husband Karl, Larissa, Lauren, Matthew, James Owen, Samantha, and Madison; and her great-grandchildren Karch, Tessa, Maryn, and Bodhi. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mario, as well as her son-in-law Franklin.

She will always be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, joyous great-grandmother, passionate educator, committed volunteer, good friend, and a faithful servant of the Lord. She taught those around her to “live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God” (Ronald Reagan).