Eligia Natalia Candida Croes-De Cuba

away, at the age of 102.

Eligia was born on Dec. 1, 1917, on the beautiful island of Aruba in the town of Savaneta. She was the fifth of nine children, born to Carlos and Augustina de Cuba. Her mother died when Eligia was seven years old. Although she missed her mother greatly, her loss forged a strong bond among her siblings, especially her older sister, Lorenza “Chi Chi” de Kort, who became like a second mother to her.

At the age of 21, she fell in love with Rosimbo Croes, they married and through

the years brought six children into the world, ultimately resulting in a huge family

with 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and three great-greatgrandchildren

who affectionately called her “Madu” from the word “Madushi”, which means “sweet mother”.

In 1951, they were one of the first Arubians to emigrate to the United States, and

they settled in Houston, Texas. Although she appeared meek and shy, Eligia was a

strong and determined woman. She was a strong believer in education, and

worked hard to teach herself English, reading the daily newspaper, with a

dictionary beside her to learn new vocabulary. She was an amazing cook,

seamstress and she had a green thumb. There were always beautiful flowers

around our home. Eligia and Ro built a happy and successful life in Houston with

many friends and family, and their home was a place of joy and celebration.

The Croes Family would like to give special thanks to Tender Living Care Assisted Living facility and the staff, especially Lidia Revulchi, Corena Teodor and Christina Ford. Their care of our mother was exceptional and loving, especially in the last few weeks of her life. Special thanks also to Lauren Scott-Cannady BSN, RN of Revelation Hospice.

Eligia was preceded in death by her husband Rosimbo Croes, son Roque Croes,

daughter-in-law Patricia Ann Croes and granddaughter Alisa Croes-Keating.

She is survived by sons Robert Croes and wife Esther, Mirto Croes, Roe Croes and wife, Trudy, daughter-in-law, Patricia, widow of Roque, Michael Croes, Daughter Susie Barone and husband John, Grandchildren Yvette and husband, Kelly, Tony and wife Becki, Tricia, Bob, Steve, Doug, Curt and wife, Jenni, Natalie, Caryn and husband, Johnny, Rochelle and husband, Tyler, Valerie, and James and wife, Mellissa, Simon, great grandchildren Cory and wife Cara, Austin, Jared, Dalton, Shane, Colton, Riley, Alex, Erin, Kingston, Rush, Corban Grace, Andrew and wife Veronica, Dakota, Brianna, David, Christian, Madelyn, Isabella, Lily, and great-great-grandchildren Damien, Leemond, and Wren. She is also survived by her sister Rita de Cuba, brother Segundo de Cuba, and many nieces and nephews in Aruba, Curaçao, Holland and Texas, who affectionately refer to her as “Pechi” which means “Godmother”.

Due to current restrictions, a private visitation and funeral service with the family will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home followed immediately after by a private committal service.

Contributions may be sent to the “Cure Alzheimer’s Fund” www.curealzfund.org

in honor of her departed son, Roque Croes.