Cruz Maria Gonzalez's Obituary
Gonzalez, Cruz Maria "Crucita" 98, of Clearwater, passed away surrounded by her beloved family on February 14, 2018.
Born in 1919 in Villalba, Puerto Rico, Cruz was well known by all for her tireless devotion to friends and family, strong work ethic, and devout Catholic faith.
She married the love of her life, Juan Gonzalez, in 1941 shortly before he was deployed to Europe to serve in the U.S. Army in the Second World War. Always a devoted wife and mother, Cruz dedicated her life to the care of her four children while her husband served multiple tours of duty over a decades-long military career.
From the 1940s through the 1980s, Cruz lived in several places, including Puerto Rico, France, Texas, and Maryland, before finally settling in Tampa, Florida, where she lived for over four decades and was a longtime parishioner of St. Laurence Catholic Church.
Throughout her life, Cruz was devoted to God and beloved by everyone she knew. Her empathy, generosity, and piety served as a constant inspiration for her family and many friends. Cruz instilled her children and grandchildren with strong moral values and an unwavering sense of dedication to family.
As the heart and soul of her family, she will be greatly missed. Cruz is survived by her daughter Edmee Gindlesperger; son Juan Gonzalez Jr. and his wife Kay; son Dr. Juan Gonzalez and his wife Nancy; and eight grandchildren: John Anthony Harrison, Richard Harrison, Robert Harrison, David Harrison, Paul Gindlesperger, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Marisa Gonzalez, and Wendy Thorne McVey; as well as eight great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Juan Gonzalez and her eldest child, daughter Annie Harrison who passed away in 2012.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, February 18th at Moss Feaster Funeral Home in Dunedin. Cruz will be interred with her husband at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida on Tuesday, February 20th at 11:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Suncoast Hospice Care Centers.
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