Judy H. Cruz

Judy Cruz was born Judith Hermelinda Pulido in Oaxaca, Mexico on Oct. 28, 1924 to Cutberto Pulido and Luz Pulido Parra.

In 1949, she married Jose Tomas Sanchez in Mexico City. They later relocated to Toluca, Mexico and in 1950, they had their first daughter, Judy Jane. In 1951, they moved to Laredo, Texas where her husband Jose was born and raised. From then on, she was known as Judy.

They had their second daughter, Doris Mae in 1952 followed by Ida Luz in 1957 and Lorraine Elizabeth in 1961.

She devoted her life to raising her four daughters and caring for her husband. She was a mother, a teacher, a friend, and always loved everyone unconditionally.

Judy was passionate about everything she did. She was an amazing cook who made practically everything from scratch. She taught herself to sew and spent endless hours creating everything from dresses and skirts to jeans and evening gowns for her daughters and her granddaughters.

Judy was also very disciplined and determined. She took it upon herself to learn to read and write English to become a naturalized citizen of the United States which she successfully accomplished in 1969.

In May 1990, her husband passed on and she moved to Austin, Texas to live with her youngest daughter.

Shortly thereafter, she joined the Connelly Guerrero Senior Citizen Ballet Folklorico Dance Team and sewed her beautiful regional costumes for all their performances. Music and dance were always her passions.

On February 19, 1999, Judy married Alfredo (Fred) P. Cruz of Taylor, Texas. They were married 21 years, and during their time together, they enjoyed going out to eat and spending time with their friends. Dancing became a shared passion, and they danced all the way into their 90’s.

Judy is survived by her husband, Alfredo P. Cruz of Taylor, Texas, as well as by her four daughters and sons-in-law, Judy Paget (Don) from Wichita, KS; Doris Sanchez (Jeff Johnson) from Austin; Ida Peña (Herman, deceased) from San Bernardino, CA; Lorraine Sanchez (Augustine Garza) from Austin.

Surviving grandchildren and their spouses are Deena Talbert (John), Jessica Johnson, Jeffrey Paget (Amy), Justin Johnson (Elise), Ryan Peña (Nadine), Roxanne Avant (Neil), Manida Napolitano (Chris), Vicky Paget, and Richard Peña.

Twelve great-grandchildren are also part of her legacy.

Judy's family and friends will always remember a kind, loving and vivacious woman who lived her life to the fullest no matter the circumstances and always remembered everyone in her prayers.

Thank you for teaching us what love really is. We will always love you.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 13th from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M., followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 P.M. all located in the Colonial Chapel at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78752.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The State of Texas Kidney Foundation.

To leave condolence for the family, please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com