Barbara Ann Cruz

September 6, 2023, after a courageous but brief battle with cancer at the age of 83.

Barbara was born on December 25, 1939, in Chester, Pennsylvania to Adam John Schwartz

(deceased) and Elizabeth P. (Goder) Schwartz (deceased). She was preceded in death by her

brothers: Francis, Richard, Carl, Baby Schwartz, and Bernard.

Upon graduation from Notre Dame High School, Barbara entered the Order of the Sisters of St.

Joseph in Pennsylvania but left the convent before taking her vows.

Barbara met the love of her life, Lou, when she was 18 years old, but it would take a New Year’s

Eve party 13 years later to reunite them. Barbara married Lou 4-months later, and embraced and

loved her new family, Lou’s four children: Cynthia Collie of Danville, VA; Susan Millard (Jay)

of Ormond Beach, FL; Deborah Haschak (Greg) of Danville, VA; and L. Robert (De) of

Bradenton, FL. Barbara and Lou also had two beautiful daughters together: Barbara Caloia (Jon)

of Jacksonville, FL and Carol Stevens of Jacksonville, FL.

Barbara loved to cook, read, dance, and spend time at the beach. She was fiercely competitive at

cards and board games and her favorite team was the Philadelphia Eagles (Go Birds!). Most of

all she loved her big family and was extremely proud of her 16 grandchildren: Jessica (Nathan),

Ashley; Rachel, Josh, Lauren, Amanda (John), Matt, Tess, Jesse, Alaina, Brandon, Greg Jr, Tori,

Dylan, Emma, Adam and 12 great-grandchildren.

Please join us in celebrating Barbara’s life on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 2 PM – 3 PM at

Hardage - Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St. Johns Bluff Rd.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to Fourth and Gold in honor of Lucy Donmoyer, whose warrior spirit, loving personality, and zest for life touched Barbara.

https://www.fourthandgold.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com for the Cruz family.