Maria Louisa De La Cruz

Maria Louisa De La Cruz, also known as Mary Lou, was born on March 26, 1936, in San Bernardino, California, to Louis and Maria Gastelum. Mary Lou passed away on November 25, 2022, peacefully at home and surrounded by her family. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Mario Castro De La Cruz. They had 7 children that were also born and raised in San Bernardino; Charlotte Mosqueda (Tony), Cynthia Gurule (Rudy), Mario De La Cruz (Beebe), Debbie Hernandez (Dario), Valerie Armenta (Jack), Rene De La Cruz, and Louie De La Cruz (Rose). Mary Lou leaves behind a sister, Alice Marquez and a brother, Peter Gastelum. Mary Lou was preceded in death by many brothers and sisters including Louis Gastelum, Florencio Gastelum, Josie Gomez, Crescenciana Hernandez, Benita Gutierrez, Isabel Alvarado and Floyd Gastelum. Mary Lou enjoyed spending time with her 23 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren whenever they came to visit her. Mary Lou worked at various places throughout her life. She worked at convalescent hospitals in both San Bernardino and Grand Terrace. She then worked at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino for many years. Her final workplace was Lupe’s Azteca Inn in Redlands, California. Mary Lou loved all types of music and loved to dance, including tap dancing, from the time she was a child until the day she left this earth. Mary Lou loved to let her family know how much she loved them and that she always prayed for them. Even in her final moments, she would say, “I love you all with all my heart and God bless you wherever you all are.” She would always seal each prayer with a kiss for everyone she prayed for. Mary Lou loved being around parties where everyone was dancing and enjoying the music and having fun being together. Mary Lou just loved every minute of her life and always let everyone know how much she loved to dance and that she loved them.

A visitation for Maria will be held Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Mt. View Mortuary & Cemetery, 570 East Highland Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92404. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 6, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Bernardines Catholic Church, 531 N F St, San Bernardino, CA 92410. A graveside service will occur Friday, January 6, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 570 East Highland Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92404.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtviewsanbernardino.com for the de la Cruz family.