ShareThisMay 4, 1941-March 5, 2011
When Tonie Cruz was taken to the Northwestern’s Prentice Women’s Hospital sometime in the last week of January, no one knew how serious her illness was. Diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, she had been confined in the hospital and administered chemo treatments but to no avail. She never left her hospital bed since she was admitted until she succumbed to the disease on March 5, just two months short of her 70th birthday. Tonie is survived by her devoted husband, Felix, caring daughter, Melody, loving son-in-law, Marlon Valeroso and precious grandsons Brandon, 7 and Dylan, 3.
Tonie was a great friend, fashionable and stylist, sweet, thoughtful, caring, helpful, kind and softhearted. She and her husband Felix were the pillars of the once vibrant organization called, Sampaguita Family Club. It was their spirited and selfless leadership that propelled this organization beyond its original function of a social club, serving just a number of closely-knit families and circle of friends. Under their leadership and guidance, Sampaguita Family Club raised thousands of revenues that funded its humanitarian missions to the Philippines.
But with many member families of the club growing bigger and older, their priorities shifted to other endeavors and thus by their own choice, dismantled the organization, leaving but the core groups and intimate friends intact and in touch with one another. In its place, many members found themselves involved in spiritually enriching pursuits in the religious organization called, “Couples for Christ.” Thus began yet another journey for Tonie and her husband Felix.
They immersed themselves in the word of God while enjoying the company of old and new friends, flying and cruising where their hearts and wild imaginations took them.
Tonie’s heart must have been overflowing with joy and pride as her spirit listened to her daughter Melody’s very special tribute (eulogy) to a mother she had nothing but fond and grateful memories of. Melody’s words below were part of a glowing tribute to a great mother, wife, grandmother and friend.
I want to thank the Lord for blessing us with loving family and friends. My dad an I along with my husband would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of you for all your love, support, encouragement and prayers throughout this journey. For all of you that visited my mom and comforted her in a special way, day after day, night after night, thank you. Thank you for the pray overs, food and special favors, reading of Bible passages and updates on her favorite Filipino teleserye as well as the other acts of kindness – we thank you beyond words.
All these actions are reflective of how my mom had lived her life. She was loving, caring, kindhearted, thoughtful, generous and forgiving person.
You know, as a parent myself of two boys, I wonder what I can do or say to make sure that my boys will live a happy life. If I leave this world now, have I done what I can so that they can move on with their lives confidently and happily?
One of the most important things that my mom had done for me is to give me a strong foundation in faith. I believe that in order to grow in faith, one must have a strong foundation in order to be receptive to the Lord’s invitation. My mom has done this for me and more…She has given me everything, every tool that I’d ever need in life. I’m a better person because of her.
I love you mom.