Angelita Gutierrez Cruz aka Angie and Hila was born to the late Cecilio Gutierrez II and Francisca Aranda Gutierrez at the King Ranch (Rincon de Santa Gertrudis) on September 17, 1921. As a youth the family moved to Corpus Christi where she attended Cheston Heath Elementary School. Angelita was a lifelong devout Catholic and active member of the Schoenstatt movement.
Despite the hardships and losses, she experienced as young women, she was forever an optimist. She loved life and enjoyed living, music, dancing, and swimming were some of her favorite activities. Staying current with local and world events was her passion.
Angelita was a professional seamstress; she sewed women’s clothing, wedding dresses, and more. She worked as a teacher’s assistant in sewing classes at Del Mar College. She also made quilts and won 1st & 2nd place in quilt making at a Corpus Christi fair.
She was blessed with a long life and a large and loving family. She's preceeded in death by her loving husband of 71 years Mariano G. Cruz, her daughter Janie Vega, her father Cecilio Gutierrez II, her mother Francisca Aranda Gutierrez, her sister Concepcion ‘Conchita’ her brothers Alejandro ‘Cando’, Emilio, Enrique, Adolfo and Arturo.
She is survived by her daughter Frances Barrera, sons Marino Cruz Jr. and David Cruz; grandchildren Javier Vega, Jaime Vega, Sergio Barrera, Steve Barrera, Gerianne B. Freeman, Eartha Cruz, Martin Galicia, and 14 great grandchildren.
Angelita was a bright light in this world. She will forever remain in the hearts and memories of those who loved her and knew her.
A visitation for Angelita will be held Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel - Memorial Holly, 3442 Holly Rd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A holy rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM, that same evening. A funeral mass will be held Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3423 Rojo St, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park, 2731 Comanche St, Corpus Christi, Texas 78408.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelMHolly.com for the Cruz family.
