Obituary of Candida Cruz

Candida "Candy" Cruz, 89, formerly of 29 Robinson Ave., West Ellicott, passed away Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing in Gerry, NY.

She was born June 17, 1929 in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, a daughter of the late Pedro and Consuelo Adorno Rivera.

Candy was the widow of Rev. Julio Cruz, whom she married in June 1947 and who died in January of 1968. Together with three of their children, the Cruz's moved to Jamestown from Puerto Rico in 1952.

As a young mother with three young children, Candy had to adjust to many changes moving to Jamestown from Puerto Rico, including different foods, cold weather, and a new language. However, she soon made close lifetime friends through a small Italian Church. Friends, such as the Palmeri, Vullo, Lopresti, Piazza and Arnone families, were as close as family to her dying days.

Faith and church were an important part of Candy's life. In earlier years she served as a Sunday school teacher and the children's choir director at the Spanish American Mission where her husband, Julio, was pastor. She enjoyed organizing pastor appreciation events at Cornerstone Christian Center. When she became unable to attend church later in life, she appreciated home visits from pastors Bill Blair, Dick Johnson and Don Fisher.

Candy was a loving mother who raised her children in a Christian home. After losing her husband at a young age, her reliance on God's strength grew even more. She was a Godly woman who took her job as a mother and homemaker seriously, taking pride in maintaining a spotless home and providing homemade meals for her family. She especially enjoyed baking pies as well as Spanish rice and beans. Family time included playing games, such as Chinese checkers which she seemed to always win. Her home was a magnet for neighborhood children who called her Mama Cruz.

Candy served as an interpreter at the Chautauqua County Jail through Literacy Volunteers of Jamestown Area. She also served as a translator upon request by nurses and doctors while working at WCA Hospital.

Candy immensely enjoyed shopping, searching for bargains on her Saturday outings. For many years she patronized Shear Creations Hair Salon on a weekly basis where she became friends with Lynn, Paula and fellow clientele. Upon the owners' retirement, she continued her hair appointments with Becky, at Penney's Hair Salon.

She thoughtfully selected cards of encouragement to send to friends and family. It couldn't be just any card; it had to be just right for the occasion and for that person. Another way she showed love and provided beauty in her home was through the floral arrangements she made. She took joy in gifting her creations to patients and staff where she worked and to family and friends. She was often requested to provide center pieces and decorations for special events.

Upon leaving the family home on 8th Street in Jamestown, where she raised her children for 36 years, Candy moved into her "little white house" in West Ellicott, a true answer to prayer. She was blessed with caring and friendly neighbors. Especially helpful was Debbie Craig, who was amazingly faithful to assist in many ways enabling Candy to remain at home as long as she did.

Her last days were spent at Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing, in Gerry, NY, where she was blessed with new friends and a caring staff.

Candy's family dearly misses her but know they will be reunited because of the hope in God she instilled in them. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Surviving are five children: Alba (Douglas) Arters of Gerry, NY, Edwin (Janet) Cruz of Phoenix, AZ, Myrna Miller of Jamestown, Priscilla (Stephen) Schiff of Paducah, KY and Laurita (David) Mattiuzzo of Lockport, NY; fifteen grandchildren: Amanda Arters, Shane Knapp, Danielle Cruz, Kerri Cruz, Jason Marsh, Heather Flurie, Patty Dixon, Edwin Schiff, Emily Schiff, Elliot Schiff, Stephen Schiff, Ryan Gilsinger, Louis Mattiuzzo, Jillian Mattiuzzo and Hannah Hawkes; as well as seventeen great-grandchildren, one great- great-grandson; and four siblings Gloria Rivera, Eva Morales, Gilberto Rivera and Aramil Rivera, all residing in Puerto Rico.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Jonathon Miller; son-in-law, Ernie Miller; and sisters, Delia Guerrido, Luz Maria Torres and Margarita Rivera.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at New Creation Assembly of God. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to New Creation Assembly of God, 116 S. Main St., Jamestown, NY 14701; or to Heritage Village, 4570 Route 60, Gerry, NY 14740.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.lindfunealhome.com.