Carmen Lydia Cruz

Carmen Lydia Cruz (née Arroyo), age 81, passed away on January 8, 2025. She was born on August 24, 1943, in Yauco, Puerto Rico, to her loving parents, the late Antonio Arroyo and Juana Caraballo de Arroyo, with Nilda and Antonio (Tonin) Quinones also playing a significant role in her upbringing.

Carmen was the beloved wife of Francisco Cruz. She was a devoted mother to Francisco, Nayda, and Liza Cruz; a cherished grandmother to Nexayra Kwiatkowski, Lexxus Allen, Donavan Cruz, Ja'Vaughn Allen, Samara Sabol, Edwin Llorenz Santiago, Krisjon Allen, A'Santee Allen, and many more she lovingly embraced as her own. She was a proud great-grandmother to Alana Edwards, Octavia Allen, Jovanni Santiago, Callaia Sabol, and Elias Kwiatkowski.

Carmen was the dear sister of Nilda Arroyo Quinones (deceased), Rafael Arroyo (deceased), Alba Arroyo (deceased), Ramona Arroyo Quinones, Blanca Arroyo Marrero (deceased), Antonia Arroyo (deceased), Jose Arroyo, Sonia Arroyo, Ibelize Quinones, Idaly Cabrera, Idaly Arroyo, Myriam Arroyo, Milton Arroyo, and Auriel Arroyo (deceased). She was a treasured aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Carmen was a woman of deep faith and served as a Diaconisa Emerito for 45 years. She found great joy in attending church, where she was known as a prayer warrior. She also enjoyed reading her Bible, solving crossword puzzles, sewing, and cooking. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends, who will forever cherish her legacy of love and devotion.

Her life was a testament to faith, family, and service, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends are welcome on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m., at Slone & Co. Life Celebration Center 3556 W. 130th St. Cleveland, OH 44111, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment Riverside Cemetery.