Stella Marie Cruz

Stella Marie Cruz was born June 25, 1929, in San Gabriel, California, to Eucebio and Mercedes (Cardona) Lozano. She passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2016, in Whittier, California, at the age of 86.



Stella grew up in San Gabriel, along with two brothers, Freddy and Charlie. She attended Mark Keppel High School in Alhambra, California, and served as Queen of the San Gabriel Mission Fiesta in 1949. In her adult life, Stella moved Whittier where she raised her five children and spent the past 62 years.



Reading, sewing, and gardening were among Stellas favorite hobbies. She also enjoyed going to plays with her friends. A devoted Catholic, Stella faithfully attended St. Gregory the Great parish in Whittier for her 62 years in Whittier. Her 20 years as a volunteer with the L.A. County Sheriffs Department was also very fulfilling.



Above all, Stella loved her family. She is survived by her five children, Kathy Cruz, Sandy Cruz, Vickie (Bob) Mechsner, Leonard Cruz, and Phillip Cruz; 4 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandson.



Viewing will begin at 9:30am on Friday, April 29, 2016, at St. Gregory the Great Church, 13935 Telegraph Road, Whittier, California. Mass will immediately follow at 10:30am with interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights, California.