Gloria Jean Cruz

Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper, with her family at her side. At the age of 77 years. 

The daughter of the late Joe A. and Guadalupe G. Contreras, Gloria was born on August 23, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas. She acquired her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Saginaw Valley State University. Gloria married Santos Cruz, Jr. on February 13, 1964, in Saginaw, Michigan; he survives her. Gloria, Santos, and their family owned and operated numerous businesses since 1969, the most current being Cruz Kitchen. Fondly known as “Judge Judy”, she was a teacher for the Saginaw Public Schools Head Start Program, and other districts in the community for many years of loyal and dedicated service. Gloria dedicated her time and efforts to various endeavors, including selling Avon makeup, Shacklee products, jewelry, and various others. Gloria was a devout member of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption; she served as a Eucharistic Minister. Her involvement in community organizations such as LULAC and the American GI Forum showcased her commitment to serving others. One of her greatest passions was creating employment opportunities for members of her community, embodying a spirit of generosity and compassion. A true "Jane of all trades," she fearlessly took on any challenge and had a remarkable ability to turn the impossible into reality. Gloria enjoyed cooking, shopping, painting ceramics, and routinely went to have her hair and nails done. Above all, Gloria cherished the time spent with her family and loved ones.  

Surviving besides her husband, Santos Cruz, Jr.; are son and daughter, Michael Angel Cruz, Yolanda Regina (Robert) Trevino; grandchildren, Stephanie (Paul) Carmona, Sonia Cruz, Celia Cruz, Troy (Bambi) Cruz Jr., Ava Trevino, Joseph Trevino, Robert Trevino; great-grandchildren, Analia Medel, Eric Medel Jr., Alexzavier Cruz, Sean Cruz, Callum Cruz, Celayah Zamudio, Calia Cruz; brother, Thomas (Debra) Contreras; sisters, Sylvia (Lorenzo) Nevarez, Olivia Alaniz; brothers and sisters-in-law, Hope Wilson, Pablo (Virginia) Cruz, Adelia (Robert) Gonzalez, Alice Parker, Naomi (Larry) Lyvere, Lucy Cruz (Jim), Richard (Cathy) Cruz, Edward (Diana) Cruz, and a very dear nephew Gloria seen as a son, David Contreras. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family members, and friends, especially those in San Antonio, Texas. Besides her parents, Gloria was preceded in death by her sons, Troy “Gucci” Matthew Cruz, Hyman Joseph Cruz; grandson, Santos “Nach” Cruz; sister, Theresa Contreras; brothers-in-law, Fredrick Alaniz, George Cruz, Richard Wilson, Robert Parker; and very dear niece, Nicole Alaniz. 

The family of Gloria would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Covenant Medical Center, 7^th Floor Surgical ICU and the staff of Great Lakes Rehab, for their kind and compassionate care of Gloria. 

Honoring Gloria’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607. Rev. Fr. Adam P. Maher will officiate. Friends may visit the family from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass on Tuesday at the cathedral. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption.  

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share your condolences and memories with the family at the visitation, service, or online at https://www.casefuneralhome.com .