Marcelina V. Cruz

She grew up with two long names Marcelina Velasquez, family called her Nina or Lena. She was raised very closely with her abuela Sotera and her tias, Rosa, Tana, Eva, Chela, and Mica. They counted her as a sister, and they were tight as thieves. Whenever the Ortiz women came together, the room would quickly grow with loud talking and laughter. They supported each other through good and not so good times. They loved each other fiercely and always found time for each other.

As a girl, she helped in her tia Rosa’s restaurant, Alba’s Café on East 7th Street. She would stand on an empty soda crate in front of the sink to wash dishes. She loved school and immersed herself in as many activities as possible like the Brownies, Girl Scouts, choir, and Drama Club. School is where she started friendships that lasted for many years and some to this day.

As a young woman Lena worked at Travis Laundry where she came to meet Travis LaRue, mayor of Austin from 1969 to 1971. She would become a trusted employee at the laundry which led to filling in as his secretary for City business. From Travis Laundry, she worked her way up to Office Manager in the call center of the former Frostex Foods, now known as US Foods. She excelled in customer service and never forgot a face or a name. She memorized product numbers, phone numbers, and details about her customers that made them feel comfortable when she asked, how are things? She took pride in her job. It wasn’t unusual for Lena to make a hot shot, a quick delivery on her way home from work to a customer who was in need.

Lena married Paul in 1956, together they built a life and memories on Lightsey Road that included family and friends. In 1962 they had a son, James, or Jimbo. Their home was always open to Jimbo’s friends for dinner or a sleep over. Always involved in their son’s activities in sports and school, and always supported his music career. Lena had a very caring nature, she would show up with food or a care package if she knew you weren’t feeling well or had a need. She wouldn’t hesitate to run errands, give a ride, or help in any way. She always asked, do you have gas in the car or have you eaten?

She had many special people in her life, but it was clear that her grandson was her heart. If Julian lost a tooth, the tooth fairy would show up with a VHS tape of the latest Disney movie and $10. Just before she passed, she was so very excited about Julian landing a gig at an upcoming music festival, she made Jimbo tell every nurse that came into her hospital room. She would shrug her shoulders with a big smile as Jimbo gave the details.

We already miss having coffee and pan dulce with her every morning, replaying stories of her mother and father, and having her around for the holidays.

Marcelina V. Cruz was born in Austin, Texas to James Velasquez and Delfina Ortiz on July 17, 1939. She would follow her husband’s lead to be with our Lord on May 16, 2022.

Lena was preceded in death by her husband Paul Cruz, her sister Alice P. Grouette, and her parents Chago and Fina. She is survived by her only child, James V. Cruz, daughter-in-law, Jo Ann D. Cruz, and grandson, James Julian Cruz, all of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.