Laura "Lolly" Cruz

Obituary: Laura "Lolly" Cruz May 20, 1951 – September 3, 2025 Laura "Lolly" Cruz, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, at the age of 74. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 20, 1951, to Dolores and Pedro Cruz, Lolly was a proud Brooklynite for most of her life. Though she later moved to Florida in search of warmth and sunshine, she remained a Brooklyn girl at heart. Lolly attended William Cullen Bryant High School in Queens, NY, and earned her Associate Degree in Communications from Kingsborough College in Brooklyn. She built a long and successful career as an administrative professional, working for several prominent corporations and financial institutions. Before retiring, she served as Executive Assistant in the Finance Department at UNITE HERE for over a decade, where she was known for her dedication, intelligence, and professionalism. Outside of work, Lolly was a vibrant spirit who loved to be active-dancing, skating, swimming, and, above all, laughing. She was an avid reader and movie-goer, always curious about the world around her. But more than anything, she cherished time with her family, who were truly the center of her life. She was a devoted mother to Melissa, Tabatha, and Laura; a proud grandmother to Jennifer, Megan, Sawyer, and Arman; and a deeply beloved great-grandmother to Saint-Elijah, Jayden, Summer-Jenna, Silas, Stiles, Serene, and Seleste. Lolly was one of eight siblings and shared a lifelong bond with each of them. She is survived by her siblings Pedro (Pete), Nereida (Nettie), Elsie, her beloved twin sister Sophia, Ricardo (Ricky), and Billy. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Louis. Feisty, outspoken, and always marching to the beat of her own drum, Lolly will be remembered for her vibrant personality, her open-hearted and accepting nature, and her unwavering love for those she cherished. Her legacy of love, laughter, and strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Services: Viewing will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 12 PM to 4 PM at: Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home 326 E Orange Ave Eustis, FL 32726 Funeral service to follow at: Lakeside Memory Gardens 36601 County Road 19A Eustis, FL 32726 Parking for Hamlin & Hilbish will be in the parking lot across the street next to Lake Eustis Christian Church. There will be cones, a sign, and possible police assistance with crossing. For those unable to walk or needing additional assistance there is parking in the back of the building with a ramp to assist getting into the building. For those unable to attend the service please click the link below to be able to watch the service live, or click the link after the service to watch the recording. https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/northstar/115697/hash:D62C121FA9B86FE6 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to a women's support organization or animal shelter of your choosing-reflecting her kind heart and generous spirit.