Lily Mae Cruz

She was born in Saspamco, Texas on October 26, 1929, to Dora and Benito Samudio. Lily Mae had fond memories of growing up on a farm with chickens. She adored playing with paper dolls and trying on the beautiful dresses made by her mother. Lily Mae attended Irving Junior School (where she first met her darling Robert “Bobby” Cruz), then attended The San Antonio Vocational & Technical High School. She enjoyed the peak of women’s fashion in her teens and early adult years.

The two high school sweethearts who had signed each others’ yearbooks, kept dating after high school, were married on June 24, 1951. Bob and Mae renewed their vows in 2001 for their 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary. Both ceremonies were held at the historical San Fernando Catholic Cathedral in downtown San Antonio. A few wedding party members were actually present for their 50th celebration and the presence of their grandchildren, family and friends filled their hearts with joy. Grandpa and Grandma were also honored when grandchildren Cameron and Molly exchanged their vows on the same date in 2016. Robert and Mae bought the perfect house with a front porch in 1951. Eight years later, Cathleen (Cathy) became their firstborn child. Four and a half years later, they had a son, Robert Jr. (Bobby). So kind and full of grace, it did not take long for Mr. and Mrs. Cruz to be known and loved by their neighbors and by the MSH sisters and community. They both kept in touch with Sister Cornelius (Mother Superior), Sister Mary Hope (Cathy’s first grade teacher) and Sister Dominic (Bobby’s Kindergarten teacher). The Cruz family grew, giving them the blessings of four grandchildren: Vanessa, Cameron, Taylor, and Garrett. Later came four great-grandsons: Noah and Luke (Vanessa and Charles), Braden and Oliver (Cameron and Molly). Lily Mae valued any opportunity to treasure time with those she loved. She enjoyed Cathy’s dance recitals, cheerleading and twirling, Bobby’s ROTC, photography and guitar playing. She continued to be present for her grandchildren. Win or lose, through failures or accomplishments, early mornings, late nights, tired or not, she LOVED being present and supporting everyone. She attended everything; Equestrian, band, choir, play productions, bowling, track, basketball, baseball, football, karate, soccer, award ceremonies, birthdays, holiday celebrations, winter/spring/summer break outings, graduations, performances and so much more. Hand-in-hand with Bob, Lily Mae wasn’t going to miss out and that meant the world to all of us. Later, she enjoyed more time with family as Grandma and “Grandmama” with her partner Grandpa and “Grandpapa”. She particularly loved after school time with her grandchildren frequenting Barnes and Nobles, La Madeleine, Luby’s, and Olive Garden. These last few years, she had many opportunities to watch her great-grandsons grow. She even took pleasure in the many four-legged grand-babies that brought so much joy as they came to her for pets, scratches, and cuddles.

Lily Mae’s work life started at the iconic downtown Joske’s Department Store on San Antonio’s Main Plaza. Later she served 24 years at North East Independent School District Central Office in the Risk Management Department where she was fondly referred to as “Mae Bird”.

Lily Mae was a member of St. Gregory, The Great Catholic Church. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and family. A highlight vacation was the trip Lily Mae and Bob took to Switzerland and Paris, France. They took their children to Hollywood (to meet Batman and Robin!) and Disneyland. Together with their daughter and grandchildren they also visited New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

Lily Mae loved horse races at Retama Park, fiesta season, mariachis, casinos, and dancing (Mae and Bob loved to two-step and do the jitterbug). She loved all things orange–orange lipstick, orange nail polish, orange rouge, and orange shoes. She was fond of Scrivener’s Department Store and Tea Room where she would order bullion tea with cheese cookies followed by hours of shopping the latest fashions. She loved all holidays but especially Halloween where she could create the best witch cackles. She enjoyed spending hours around loved ones at the Prados’ Christmas singalongs. In line with singing, she loved the Eagles and enjoyed their concert in Austin, and also attended other noteworthy artists including Tom Jones, Connie Stevens, Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass, Cindy Lauper, Tina Turner, and Ricky Martin. She also loved concerts and performances put on by talented family members–jazz artists Aaron and George Prado and entertainer Garrett Henry provided many opportunities to experience her love of music live.

Lily Mae was an excellent cook and baker. Some of her most beloved dishes were her buttery fluffy biscuits, Spanish rice, meat with gravy and vermicelli, deviled eggs (Taylor’s favorite!), sweet yams, enchiladas, tacos, and more. Some of her favorite foods were the #19 from Teka Molino, Karam tamales, Sea Island fried shrimp, empanadas, lemon and cherry pie, crabmeat rangoons, Cracker Jacks, and 7-Up. Her all time favorite restaurant was Teka Molino which she frequented a few times a week.

She is preceded in death by Dora Gildea (mother), Benito Samudio (father), Jesse Gildea (step-father), Connie Cruiz, (sister-in-law), and her beloved husband of 70 years, Robert G. Cruz. She is survived by Cathleen A. Henry (daughter), Scot A. Henry (son-in-law), and Robert S. Cruz (son), grandchildren: Vanessa (spouse Charles), Cameron (spouse Molly), Taylor, and Garrett, and great grandsons: Noah, Luke, Braden, and Oliver. She is also survived by her brother-in-law: George Prado (spouse Beverly), niece Alicia, nephew Aaron (spouse Lori) and great-nephew/niece: Benny/Vera. Lastly, she will be dearly missed by her grand-puppy, Rita Bess.

Anyone who knew Lily Mae knew that she loved to laugh. She was sassy, funny, and her favorite phrase was “Whatever”. She leaves with us the reminder that “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).