Judith Cruz

Judith Cruz, 82, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, at Hope Hospice House in Lehigh Acres, Florida, following a long and courageous battle with colorectal cancer. She was born on March 1, 1943, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Judith was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Jose Cruz, and by her parents, Eusebio and Ana Rivera. Together with her husband, she built a life centered on family, love, and devotion.

She is survived by her four daughters: Ana Rodriguez (Raul), Carmen Cruz, Clara Batchelor (Robert), and Noyra Valentin (Doug). Judith was a proud and devoted grandmother to CJ Johnson, Melissa Foster, Luis Valentin, Raul Rodriguez, Amanda Rojas, Casey Rodriguez, and Nikko Rivera, and a cherished great-grandmother to Jagger Johnson, Auden Valentin, Noah Foster, Dominic Rojas, Cavan Johnson, Ace Foster, and Luca Rojas.

She is also survived by her siblings, Jose Vargas (Edith), Ana Celia Garcia, and Miguel Rivera, as well as her brother-in-law, Gilberto Cruz (Lily).

Judith will be remembered for her strength, warmth, and the deep love she had for her family. She found great joy in cooking for those she loved, sharing meals that brought everyone together. An avid reader, she also enjoyed quiet moments with a good book. Judith had a passion for cruising and travel, embracing the adventure of seeing new places and creating lasting memories with her family along the way.

She will be deeply missed and forever held in her families’ hearts.

A private memorial service will be held at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park in Fort Myers, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Judith’s memory to Hope Hospice House or the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.