Ms. Cruz

Cruz

SAN ANTONIO—Leonor “Nora” Cruz, 97, slipped into the hands of God on Jul y 19, 2023, surr ounded by family, in San Antonio.

She was bor n in San Antonio on Dec. 13, 1925.

She was preceded in death by three children, Josephine, Gerard, and Charles; her brother, Frank Medina; and her children’s father, Paul Cruz Sr.

Surviving children include Paul Jr. (and Sandy) Cruz, John (and Connie) Cruz, Mary Helen (and John) Maldonado, Linda (and Lee) Nowell, Gloria (and Kerry) Stevens, Judy (and Bob) Culich, Frances (and Michael) Swanson, and Jose (and Olga) Cruz, plus more than 20 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

After her mother’s death at an early age, Nora was raised by nuns in an orphanage in San Antonio, where her Catholic faith became central to her life. She adored Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Although her means were often meager, her generosity was enormous, forever helping her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

She was also an excellent cook, teaching her kids the secrets for making perfect Mexican rice or tamales, leading to the creation of the Tamale Factory business in Colorado Springs, CO.

And though Nora’s demeanor was gentle, she was a fierce poker player, often clearing the table of the other players’ money.

Her most important accomplishment, however, was raising her large family, instilling in them an understanding of faith, a sense of caring, and love of life. She was loved by all.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 17, at the Funeraria del Angel Trevino Funeral Home, 226 Cupples Road, San Antonio, TX 78237. A Rosary will start at 7 p.m. during the visitation.

A burial Mass will take place at 9 a.m. Aug. 18, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 4603 St John’s Way, San Antonio, TX 78212. Nora will be buried at San Fernando Cemetery, in San Antonio, near her mother and infant daughter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her honor to Little Flower Basilica, 1715 N. Zarzamora St., San Antonio, TX 78201.