Mercedes Sarmiento Cruz

Mercedes S. Cruz, a native of the Philippines and a resident of Virginia, met peace on Sunday, May 16, 2010. Mercy Cruz had retired from their family business of manufacturing crutches, and surgical and medical supplies in the Philippines. She moved to the United States in1985 where she began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and retired 1996.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Carlos Cruz-Mariano; her father, Alejandro Sarmiento; her mother, Felipa Andres; her daughter, Lalaine Cruz; and her son, Carlos Cruz, Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Evangeline Rafferty of Newport News, and Marylou Gruttemeyer of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Kharlos Gardner of Oakland, CA, and Lalaine Gruttemeyer of Richmond; and twelve nieces and nephews, Leonila Cargo, Remy, Rosario and Marites Cruz, Ester, Eduardo, Benson, Marissa, Sonia, Baby, Anami, and Mina Sarmiento of Bulacan, Philippines.

Friends and family are invited to visit Saturday, May 29 from 5 to 7 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home in Hampton. A funeral service will follow at 7 PM, officiated by Father Henry Diesta.

Friends are encouraged to share memories and words of comfort with the family by visiting www.parklawn-woodfh.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.