Priscila "Lily" M Cruz

Mom was born on July 8, 1930, to the late Brigida Vila Mayugba Ramos and the late Mauro Mayugba in San Fabian, Pangasinan, Philippines. She married our Dad, (+) the late Jose Castillo Cruz, on March 10, 1957 and they were blessed with 5 children. She was a beloved mother to Marie Cruz-Guico/Jes Guico, Joy Cruz-Biag/Jojo Biag, Rommel Cruz/Maricar Cruz, Priscila Cruz-Martin/Eugine Martin, and Armi Cruz-Elizondo/Roger Elizondo, all of whom live in Texas as it was her ardent prayer that we live close to each other.

She was a beloved grandmother to Jessica, Melanie, Joseph, Amber, Reiah, Markus, Alyssa, Carlos, Anthony, and Madelaine; and a loving sister to Floro Ramos/Mary, Arturo Ramos/Melba, and the late (+) Jose Ramos/Leonila and a dear Aunt to numerous nephews and nieces.

Mommy graduated in 1955 from The University of the Philippines – Diliman with a degree in BS in Education and majored in Home Economics. She was an avid educator and taught multiple subjects – except Home Economics – to elementary grade pupils for years before emigrating to the US in 1984 with our family which was made possible by the unselfish act of her retired US Navy brother Floro, and his wife Mary to petition her and our family. Her patience was unwavering towards us, her grandchildren, our Dad, and to the hundreds if not thousands of children who went through her classroom.

Mom was a business woman too, who peddled goods in the wet market and was eagerly awaited by her loyal customers especially on Mondays when she had new merchandise - though every day of the week she was awaited for her freshly baked chiffon cake. She baked cakes – birthday/wedding/baptismal cakes in tandem with our Dad who lavishly decorated each cake to match their clients themes.

She had the passion for ballroom dancing, with Dad as her most graceful partner that everyone set their eyes on them on the dance floor. They once brought the Best Tango Dancers prize.

Mom loved to celebrate occasions in her life and her loved ones and was the vibrant emcee of those too.

She is loved by many, they lovingly call her "Mommy," just as we dearly called her the same. Her grandchildren fondly called her “Lula.”

Oh Mommy, our hearts ache and tears flow, we will sorely miss you but you will be in our minds and hearts forever. May your gentle heart and soul rest in eternal peace in God’s Kingdom and now happy that you are united with our Dad in heaven.

A visitation for Lily will be held Thursday, June 6, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Settegast-Kopf Company@Sugar Creek, 15015 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 with a rosary at 5:00 PM. A second visitation will occur Friday, June 7, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 15015 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 with a rosary at 5:00 PM. Funeral mass will occur Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11 am St Theresa Catholic Church, 705 St Theresa Blvd, Sugar Land, Texas 77498. A graveside service will occur Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77077.