Vivian Cruz

The daughter of Gilbert Scott Lobato and Alice (Ramirez) Lobato, Vivian was born August 4, 1954 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Vivian was married to the love her life and best friend, Scott, for 46 years. They met when they both worked at Motorola and started dating in 1978.Their marriage withstood the ups, downs and trials of life and also served as a great example of true love, loyalty, and dedication to a common goal, the love and care for their daughter Crystal Sarah Abril.

Vivian was previously married to Victor (Bobby) Cruz and together had two children, Victor Robert Cruz and Anita Alice Cruz.

Vivian was a domestic engineer for 38 years and was a nana, mother, sister, tia, confidant, friend and an excellent cook.

Vivian's refried beans were to die for. Her red chile con carne, cheese enchiladas, Spanish rice and salsa were second to none

Vivian and Scott's home was host to many many, parties, gatherings, wood burnings and family events.

In 1982 Vivian's middle daughter Crystal was born with severe brain injury and diagnosed as cerebral palsy.

Vivian, along with her best friend Honey Burns and a list of other parents, championed change in how the world sees brain injured children.

She was on the forefront of moving the school district to allow Crystal to go to her 1st school, Upward Foundation in Glendale.

She didn't stop there. Her next challenge was Broadmor School in Tempe where Crystal had an actual curriculum thanks to Vivian's diligence.

Then enrollment at Frank School in Guadalupe where she was a force and convinced the state to allow for inclusion for Crystal into a normal classroom. Eventually it was determined by Vivian and Scott that home schooling would create the greatest opportunity for Crystals physical, mental, and spiritual growth.

At the same time Vivian and her circle of parents with brain injured kids, utilized holistic medicines and homeopathic remedies to help with the control of seizures and promote a healthier lifestyle for their children.

Vivian suffered back pain for over 20 years but it never prevented her from being the one constant in Crystals life. She was there every waking moment when the concern was Crystals care. She had faith in Crystal even though the odds were against her.

Vivian leaves behind her best friend, confident and partner in crime, her youngest daughter Honey Abril. They were inseparable and shared a loving, caring, relationship.

She also enjoyed the last two years of her life when she became a nana for the 5th time to Love Joy Davison, her modern peace child.

Love was dropped off every morning and slept with Vivian every day. Vivian finally had a granddaughter that was dark skinned like her.

They were two dark peas in a pod.

Vivian leaves behind her best friends, Honey Burns ,Francisca Galvan, Lisa Petzke, Marianne De Ronde, Cindy Abril, Carmen Abril, and Carmina Vidana.

She leaves behind her brother David Lobato, younger sister Michelle Hamilton whom she loved dearly, God daughter, Alicia (slugo) Hamilton, five grandchildren, Jacob, Jordan, Amber, Victoria, Love, two nephews, David Jr, Omar, nieces Celestina, Sonia and tias Lucy Lechuga and Millie Noyes.

Services for Vivian will be at Resthaven Park on Saturday March 13, 2021 at 12:00 noon.

4310 East Southern Ave. Phx, Az. 85042.

Donations to the family in lieu of flowers is greatly appreciated.

Peace.