Teresa “Terri” Cruz, 89 of Phoenix passed away on August 17, 2017. Terri was a co-founder and recognized as the mother of Chicanos Por La Causa, and was active with the organization for more than four decades. She was born in Tucson AZ to Francisco and Guadalupe Martinez. She is survived by sons, Arturo, Gregory and Henry Cruz; daughters, Helen Cruz-Ahumada, Dorothy Benitez and Maria Guadalupe Quintero; brother, Angel Martinez; 39 grandchildren; 105 great grandchildren and 52 great- great grandchildren. Terri dedicated her life to her family and to the betterment of the community. Visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 8:00PM with a Rosary Service at 7:00PM on Friday August 25, 2017 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. 4715 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 12:30PM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Mike Vega
I remember meeting Mrs. Cruz (Terri) years ago while I was working at CPLC. Many times, if I had call from someone living in the area who was experiencing a problem, she was the “go-to” person and Terri always resolved it quickly. From time to time, when I had to pick up a few things at the main building, I would drop by her office to simply say hello. There she was, smiling, on the phone helping others, never complaining and kind of mentioned to me in a way, “Who did I help today?” She was a tireless, great leader in the community and very humble as well: My first few months of employment at CPLC, I had no idea she was the co-founder of this highly esteemed and reputable agency. It was indeed my honor to have known her and I’ll never forget Teresa Martinez Cruz. My condolences to her great family.
Dollie Medina
My deepest condolences to the Art Cruz family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mother. I remember when you guys would bring her to the family functions and her being so happy, loving and friendly. I’m so glad I got to know her for her passion of working with the community and for the great hard working Woman she was! She will be deeply missed. She was such a trooper and hard worker. I miss her calls to me at the Agency. She Would always say to me “hi Mijita” I have a client for you. I will always
remember those words. Terri I miss you! RIP! God Bess all the Cruz family! Love, Sister Dollie
Linda Holling Gonzales
I’m so sorry to hear of this great ladie’s passing. I remember her and her family from my childhood.
The last time I saw her, was in Payson. She was supervising a group that had gone to the casino on a bus. She was a great lady! My condolences to the Cruz family.
Esther Cota Rodriguez
I’m so sorry I won’t be able to be present at your Mom’s services. All my family loved her dearly. She was a find and devoted companion to my mother, Maggie Cota. Often, they would celebrate her achievements and she would come to our family affairs. She always received you with open arms and a pure heart. I remember her since I was a child and in workings between Terri and my mom and dad, Manuel, who also worked for LEAP. She would take me mom different places and laugh and giggle and then get down to business. We will miss you Terri. Thank you for all you have done this world. Our Lord has a place reserved for you.