Carmen G. Cruz went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 1, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 88. Carmen was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, on August 31, 1935, to parents Regino Torres and Narcisa Alejandro, both of whom precede her in death.

Carmen married Rev. Francisco Cruz, Sr. in East Chicago, Indiana, in 1959. From their union, they raised 10 children: Francisco Cruz, Jr.(Barbara) (deceased), Luis Cruz (Kimberly) (deceased), Alfred Cruz (Sandra), Samuel Cruz (Irma), Gamaliel Cruz, David Cruz (Nikki), Isaac Cruz, Carlos Cruz (Lizza), Pedro Cruz (deceased), and Maria Margaret Morales (Ruben) (deceased). The children were raised in Gary, Indiana. Carmen was a homemaker, a pastor’s wife, and did a phenomenal job raising their children.

Her husband, Francisco Cruz, passed away on December 13, 1978. Her daughter Margaret took on an important role in helping her raise the rest of the children into adulthood.

Aside from her children, Carmen enjoyed her family life with the rest of her family members, whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her brothers: Carlos Torres, Elias Torres, and Benjamin Torres; and her sisters: Estelita Echeveria, Esther Torres, Juana Torres (deceased), Dalila Torres (deceased), and Maria Torres (deceased). Carmen has 26 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, raising 3 of them as her own: Gloria, Isaac Jr., and Adrian. She was able to witness five generations of her family.

Carmen’s passion was cooking, and she loved making pasteles, arroz con gandules, pastelitos, her amazing potato salad, and her FAMOUS lemonade.

Carmen was a devoted servant, not only to the Lord but also to her cherished family. Her faith in God was unparalleled, as she attended church every Sunday and ensured her family understood the importance of a relationship with God. She was known for her fervent prayers, which often came to fruition, and many believed she truly embodied one of God’s angels on Earth. Her love for God was evident in every aspect of her life, guiding her actions and bringing her immense joy and peace. Carmen’s dedication to her faith and her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and unwavering faith.