Obituary
Darlene Cruz (Mama ~ Nana ~ "My Girl")

Darlene Cruz, (Wife, Mom, Nana, and Dear Friend) passed away at 72 yrs old, on September 27th, 2024, surrounded by her family. Darlene was born on December 29th, 1951, in Danbury, Connecticut and is survived by her husband, Andy, her two children, Julie and Brian, Daughter in Law Cristina, as well as her three grandsons', Josh (Jah), Jakob (Jakey) and Nico (Nics). Darlene is originally from Bethel, Connecticut and lived in Southbury, Connecticut for 27 years with her husband and children until moving to Holly Springs, North Carolina in 2005. At first, she stayed home and cared for her oldest grandson, Josh, before finding work in North Carolina and for the last 15 years she worked at Capitol City Speech Therapy as a Lead Office Administrator. She only just retired in Spring 2024 despite her family trying to talk her into retiring sooner.

Keeping busy and keeping her mind strong was important to Darlene. She enjoyed social interactions, being silly and carefree, as well as helping others by volunteering for missions within her church and community. She cherished nature and was always proud of her flowers and plants. She adored birdies and found solace on her back patio listening to them chirp. She would prefer baking, working in a garden, hanging out with “her girls”, going for a walk with her family (including the family pup, Sammy), or just taking a ride in the car to catch up and chat. She always wanted to be around people. She had such patience and even learned to play chess with her oldest grandson, so he had someone to play with. Darlene frequently made special plans for her “grandboys” and she rarely ever missed one of their events or activities, even if she did not feel like going. Before falling ill in May 2024, Darlene was going to the YMCA a few times a week to work out. She worked a few days a week at her job, played Bunko with some of her neighborhood girlfriends, and even attended an early AM college graduation for her grandson (Josh), despite not feeling well that morning. She was not going to miss this special milestone in his life. She was so immensely proud of all of her grandchildren and constantly showed them how much she adored them, never taking one day for granted.

Darlene's contagious joy, one-of-a-kind stories, and love for life inspired so many around her. Her fun-loving and witty personality was infectious, and she was full of inherent positivity and humor that would put a smile on the face of everyone that she was around. Initiating conversation and making people feel comfortable, heard, and even “special” were just a few of her many wonderful God-given gifts. Her ability to make even a stranger feel like an instant friend was always so awe inspiring to witness and this had huge impacts on her children and grandchildren over the years. Darlene exuded humble conviction in her core values and beliefs and through that she also showed unwavering empathy, grace and understanding. Here beautiful heart made her so captivating, and everyone always wanted to talk to “Mama Dar”. Her unwavering faith guided her worldly wisdom that so many embraced whole-heartedly. Her amazing "character" had such a positive effect on her family, friends, coworkers and many others that knew Darlene along the way. Her lighthearted nature, burlesque humor and kind soul made Darlene loved and adored by so many, and she would be the first to laugh at herself and not take herself too seriously. She also had the best smile. A majestic and authentic smile that made everyone light up when they saw it.

Darlene absolutely cherished her family if that was not already obvious. They were without question, the center of her world, and the feeling was mutual. She loved them so unconditionally and with such fierce compassion and loyalty. There was nothing she enjoyed more than making her family feel loved, important, and genuinely happy. She was the most fulfilled when her family was all together, and they felt that same about being with her. There is no doubt she will be missed every single day, but she will always be celebrated by those closest to her for the "light of life" she was and forever will be. We know what she would say to her family and friends, and we will honor that message. She would say, “throw a party”!! “Please, throw a BIG party”!! And the response will be, “Of Course we will sweet Mama Angel. The biggest you've ever seen!” She will ALWAYS be celebrated, treasured, remembered and honored. We hear her say now,

“I am prepared to meet my maker. Whether my maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” Watch out Lord, here comes Sweet Mama.” HAHA!!

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 2nd at the Fuquay Varina United Methodist Church @ 11am. Address for the church is:
100 S. Judd pkwy SE
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

Darlene loved flowers and especially yellow daisies. She also loved children and always had a special way with kids. Flowers are welcomed to the church for her service, however, if desired, in lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of her, to St. Jude Children's Hospital using the following link:

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?frequency_selected=0&dedication=2&sc_dcm=58700006946881490&sc_cid=kwp&sl=give-in-honor&&&&&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&msclkid=b2823dc9c04d162e21f65b362b432f07&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=M%20-%20Core%20Brand%20EX%20EL&utm_term=st%20judes%20donate&utm_content=PM_PR_Dig_Srch_PM_AO_US_Nat_MS_M-Ads_LF_-_-_-_SERP-Exct_Srch-B_-_-_-_Donate_-_EL_-_-_Srch&gclid=b2823dc9c04d162e21f65b362b432f07&gclsrc=3p.ds