Carmen T. Cruz

Carmen T. (Rodriguez) Cruz, 97, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Carmen was born in Rockford, IL, on September 9, 1927, the daughter of Carman and Feliciana (DeLeon) Rodriguez. She married Maurilio Cruz Sr. on May 26, 1946, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Rockford. He preceded her in death in 1996.

Carmen credited her years at St. Vincent Catholic Orphanage for finding her "Happy Way". They were taught to do things to help themselves and to always be there for the other person. She went out and helped others, paying back what others did for her and remembering those who were there for her. To her, volunteering was not work but something she loved to do. She touched many lives in the 40+ years she volunteered. At 65, she was recognized by Newspaper accounts for her volunteer work and by becoming the first Female President of Comite Patriotic Mexicano. (Mexican Patriotic Committee) She was awarded Woman of the Year, A community service award given by La Voz Latina for being a leader amongst Hispanics. She was recognized, for demonstrating leadership qualities not just in the Hispanic Community but in the entire community. She was a mentor of whom was said, " She was one of the "Seed Planters". Those seeds have grown up and are picking up where she left off." This Pillar of our community was a mentor that will not be forgotten. 

A history of her work is on display at the Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 South Main Street. Carmen was well known for her cooking. She was behind many successful fundraisers that sold her homemade tacos, tostadas, enchiladas and tamales. Carmen loved to entertain and served these delicious foods and more! 

Other skills and interests were singing and teaching children Traditional Mexican Folklorico Dances and songs to broaden their knowledge and pride in their Hispanic heritage. She sewed and embroidered many dresses worn in dances, for parades and for the annual Bishop's Picnic which was a special gift to the Bishop from the Hispanic Community. 

Carmen also enjoyed gardening and taking walks on the bike path with her husband and daughters and being active in her church. In 2022, Carmen and Maurilio Cruz were honored as being one of the first Mexican settlers in Rockford's south side. Carmen loved spending time with her grandchildren & greats! She was proud of them all. She loved to smother them with love and stuff them with food.

Those left to honor Carmen’s memory include her dear children, Consuelo (George) Morales, Olivia Cruz, and Theresa (Perry) Gregorcy; grandchildren, Felicia (Sergio) Carreno, Sophia (Samuel) Robinson, Mia Morales, Adolph Cantu Jr., Carmen Cantu, Theresa Anduiza, Trisha Love, Brandon Salyer, Natalie (Brad) Grindle, Noelle (Aaron) Miller, Jodi Gregorcy, Jennifer Gregorcy (Aaron Zagrodnick); 26 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren; brother, Benancio Rodriguez; special friends, Miguel (Cecilia) Ramirez and their family, Tomasa and Ignacio Sigala and Father Ricardo Hernandez. Carmen is predeceased by her parents; husband, Maurilio Cruz Sr.; 2 children, Maurilio Cruz Jr. and Mary F. Cruz; siblings, Rose Hernandez, Mary Pauline Stephens, Cecilia Caballero, and Manuel Rodriguez; granddaughters, Tiffany and Baby Rosie and a great-grandson, Reyo.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Northern Illinois Hospice and their staff, especially Savannah, for their exceptional care during their time spent with Carmen.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a Spanish rosary recited at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2505 School St., Rockford, IL 61101, with the Reverend Ricardo Hernandez officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carmen’s name to the family.

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