VICKY CRUZ

1952 - 2022

VICKY CRUZ

June 15, 1952 Aug. 3, 2022

Dont think of her as gone away her journey has just begun life holds so many facets this earth is only one. Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days or years. Think how she must be wishing

that we could know today

how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.

And think of her as living

in the hearts of those she touched for nothing loved is ever lost and she was loved so much.

Our courageous mother, grandma, daughter, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, friend, and loved one, was called home to rest on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. Mom passed away peacefully at Vicki Tania's home with her adoring mother, sister, and children at her side after battling cancer for 20 years. During those years she was valiant, courageous, and optimistic. Mom lived every moment joyfully and purposefully. Her faith kept her strong and filled her with love and peace. Mom hid the pain of her illness by generously giving her time and demonstrating love and care to those around her.

Vicky (Mom) was born on June 15, 1952, in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. Mom came to the United States as a teenager and joined her parents and siblings trekking from Mexicali to Central/Northern California as undocumented migrant farmworkers. Mom's favorite stories included summers in King City, Greenfield, and her favorite, Merced. She would often speak of the mischief she and her siblings engaged in while harvesting peaches. It was in Merced where she met Dad, Juan Jose Cruz Rodriguez (1946-1977), whom at the time was also an undocumented farmworker. In late 1968 or early 1969 (Mom kept the details sketchy), Dad asked for permission to marry Mom and was denied. The story we were told is that Mom and Dad eloped, drove all night from Merced to Yuma and were married the following morning at Lute's Wedding Chapel. Mom and Dad returned to Merced for two more summers and gave birth to Juan (1969) and Patty (1970). In 1971, Mom and Dad decided to remain in one place and settled in Westmorland, CA and later moved to Brawley, CA where Vicki Tania (1975) was born. Mom's three children were her greatest joy. The love she held for each, Juan, Patty, and Vicki Tania became evermore present with the passing of Dad in 1977. After Dad passed, Mom attended nursing school in North Hollywood and returned to the valley in 1979, where she worked for Dr. Alvarez in Calexico, CA. Unfortunately, Mom's seizure disorder did not allow for her continued work in the medical field. Mom, being the resilient, self-sufficient woman, we all know, worked a variety of jobs, including work for Carolyn and John Benson, The Church Mouse, and Campesinos Unidos.

We are humbled by Mom's strength and courage. Mom was the epitome of motherhood putting the needs of her children, siblings, and family before her own. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, cousin, favored aunt, trusted mother-in-law, and gave generously of herself in each of those roles with joy and love.

Mom immediately lit up any room she entered and made an impact on so many people. She was a joyful presence with her creative fashion choices, adorning hairstyle, stunning make-up, and outgoing personality. She loved her friends and family and filled her home with warmth and kindness. Mom had many things she treasured which included, collecting antiques (we lovingly called it hoarding), garage sales, time spent at birthdays, traveling, and gathering with friends and family, as well as trips to the casino. Her greatest joy was visiting Rosarito, Baja California, to be at her fathers home, alongside her brothers and sisters from her blended family. Mom was quite nostalgic and would often escape everyday happenings by playing music from different timeframes in her life- specifically songs that were special to her and Dad and a few from her time in North Hollywood.

In recent years, Mom devoted her time to being present as much as possible for the children in the family. Mom would make sure to attend every birthday, baptism, quinceanera, and wedding possible.

Mom has left her mark on each of us and on those that shared time with her. She will forever live through us and within our hearts. Mom's passing creates a physical void that no one can ever fill, yet we find comfort in knowing she is resting in peace, joined by our family members who are with her in the presence of our Lord.

The family is eternally grateful to Dr. Mallard, who recommended Mom participate in a medical trial in 2005 when her life expectancy was 12-18 months. His recommendation provided her with the gift of life for an additional 17 years. We are also appreciative of family and friends who stayed at her side through many difficult times as she courageously battled the disease.

Mom is preceded in death by her husband, Juan Jose Cruz Rodriguez; father, Victor Escobedo; and stepfather, Miguel Miranda.

Mom is survived by her children, Juan Cruz (Stefanie), Patricia Cruz-White (Clyde), Vicki Tania Alanis (Abel); mother: Maria Cruz Miranda; siblings, Ana Noriega, Blanca Hernandez, Soledad Miranda, Julio Miranda, Maria Garcia, Victor Escobedo, Martha Escobedo, Alejandro Escobedo, Santos Escobedo, and Jorge Escobedo; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and family members.

In keeping with Mom's wishes, we ask that family and friends join us for a Memorial Celebration on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Frye Chapel, 338 W. Aten Road in Imperial, CA. A remembrance reception will follow at the American Legion Hall, 509 G Street, Brawley, CA at 5 p.m.

Mass will take place on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 8 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church, 620 S. Cesar Chavez, Brawley, CA. with Father Mark officiating. Following the mass, the family has arranged for her remains to be laid to rest alongside Dad at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley, CA.