Cruz, Lydia, 86, of Coral Springs, went to be with the Lord March 16, 2020. Lydia was born September 9, 1933 in Utuado, Puerto Rico to the late Juan and Estebania (Perez) Galarza. Lydia enjoyed sewing very much. It allowed her to create something from nothing, for example dolls, pillows and clothing. She was always cooking for family and friends. Feeding others was her way to give selflessly to others. She was always laughing and joking with friends and family. She came to the mainland when she was 15 and encouraged other family members to join her. In 1974 she and her husband moved to Coral Springs after trying several other cities. She always wanted her family to live near each other. Lydia was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Cruz Sr. on July 12, 2019. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Catherine Cruz (Daryll Zelke), son, Joseph Cruz Jr., granddaughter, Melissa Diaz, brothers, Domingo (Iridia) Galarza, Juan (Mickey) Galarza, Anibel (Aida) Galarza, Wilfredo Galarza, sisters, Carmen (Richie) Salvadore, Helen (Ed Lamb) Martin. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 19, 2020, 5:00 - 8:00pm at Kraeer Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 20, 2020, 11:00am at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 9950 NW 29th Street, Coral Springs. Entombment with her husband will immediately follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, North Lauderdale.
