Candida Cruz

Candida Cruz passed away at the age of 83. She was born in Catano Puerto Rico on January 20, 1934 to her parents Semin Marques (Jose Clemente) and Angela Lamar. She bore twelve children; Luis Miranda, Angela Miranda-Rosado, Juan Miranda (deceased), Felix Rentas, Sandra Cruz, Frances Cruz, Larry Cruz, Betty Cruz, Luz Aida Clemente, Nellie Cruz-Krawczynski, Carmelo Cruz Jr., and Peggy Cruz. Candida had 84 grandchildren that extended down to great, great grandchildren. Candida raised several of those grandchildren. From Catano PR she moved to New York then finally settling in Cleveland, Ohio in 1974 where she lived the rest of her days. Candida was fiercely loved by all her family, friends, and Parish family. To children she was like honey to Bees. She practically adopted all the children of her neighborhood on West 25th Street – and most called her mom! She was very funny and loved to laugh – her laugh was so contagious! Candida was an amazing cook. Everyone loved to eat at her home. She had such respect for others and that respect was reciprocated. She was not only a mom to her children but a confidant and friend – and to some – a boss lady! She knew everything that was going on in her children’s lives even though they were not always aware of it. Candida’s favorite color was the color of her birthstone, Garnet and her favorite color Rose was red.

Candida came home to her childhood Catholic faith in the early mid-eighties after a conversion experience during a Curcillo. Her faith was her strength and her guide. She loved Jesus with all her heart and had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary (La Virgensita). She preached the Gospel with her life – literally. She welcomed the homeless into her home and fed them, was dedicated to the Fe y Luz ministry to persons with special needs in her parish as well as the comunidad de base, and taught catechism to the little ones. She was loved immensely by her parish community and these people became her family.

Candida Cruz died peacefully at Metro Hospital on Wednesday November 8, 2017.

Mami, we fiercely love you – then, now, and forever! You are with us always though we will miss you terribly. Until we see you again Mamita Querida, our hearts will rejoice in your life and legacy.

Wake/Viewing

Wednesday November 15, 2017

2:00PM – 4:00PM & 7:00PM – 9:00PM

Craciun Berry Funeral Home

7200 Detroit Avenue

Funeral Mass/Burial

Thursday November 16, 2017

La Sagrada Familia Catholic Church

7719 Detroit Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44102

10:00AM – Family Receives Mourners – Last viewing

11:00AM – Funeral Mass Begins

Burial – Immediately after Funeral Mass at:

Holy Cross Cemetery

14609 Brookpark Road

Brook Park, Ohio 44142

Reception/Repast

La Sagrada Familia Catholic Church Hall

7719 Detroit Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44102

1:00PM - 3:30PM