Teresa E. Cruz

Mrs. Teresa Escota Cruz, age 98 passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter Thursday, July 16, 2015. Teresa was born June 1, 1917 in the Philippines to the late Victoriano Cruz and Valentina Escota Quadra. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eufronio Surban, sister Wilfreda Sistoza, brother Rafael Quadra and son Dominador (Totoy) Surban.

Teresa was raised in Maui, HI by her mother and stepfather, Mariano Quadra where she developed her strong work ethic and feisty personality. People were drawn to Teresa’s beauty both inside and out and she was twice named Miss Philippines of Hawaii. She returned to the Philippines at 18 years of age. During her time in the Philippines, she married the love of her life, Eufronio Surban. After Eufronio’s passing in 1948, Teresa started working at Assandas department store as a department manager and quickly moved up to Human Resource Director while raising her children, Totoy and Bessie.

Teresa came to the United States in 1982 where her engaging personality and quick wit was adored by all. She helped raise her grandsons, Vincent and Brian with love and tsinelas (slipper). Teresa was known for her ready smile, speaking her mind and the love she had for her family and friends. She was a wonderful cook always had a full table. During family parties and senior center activities, she entertained all with her Hawaiian songs and hula dancing. Every time you drink a cup of coffee, you can still hear Lola Teresa say “The Best in the West!”

Teresa is survived by her devoted daughter and son –in-law Priscilla (Bessie) and Elwood Guzman, adoring grandchildren Vincent & Kathleen Guzman and Brian & Ryan Guzman, precious great grandchildren Vincent, Oliver, Gabrielle, Adrianna, Marriah, Nicholas and Claire.

The Cruz/Guzman family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. both on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 and again on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at the Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015 at St. Raymond of Penafort Church, 8670 Pohick Road, Springfield, VA 22153. Interment will follow at Fairfax Memorial Park on Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA.