Obituary of Altagracia Cruz

Obituary of Altagracia (Guarina) Cruz

Altagracia Cruz (1931 – 2024)

Altagracia of Washington Heights, New York passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024 after battling with Alzheimer Disease for over ten years. Born in Hatillo Palma, Dominican Republic on January 21, 1931, to Manuel Ortega and Juana Crisostomo, Altagracia was one of 13 children.

Known to all as Guarina, she was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved to laugh, and when she did it was contagious.

She immigrated to the United States in 1963 and proudly became an American citizen. She worked for over 30 years making high-end handbags and other leather goods. Guarina was a force of nature. She fought for what she believed and loved her family fiercely. She lived a life of integrity and taught her children and grand children to do the same. She preached the importance of education, respect, independence, and kindness. She worked hard but lived a simple life dedicated to what she loved most, her children and grandchildren. Everyone loved her cooking because she was so very good at it.

Guarina was married for over 55 years until her husband Elpidio Cruz passed away April 2011. However, she is survived by her four children: Reyna, Juana, Rafael, and Anna Maria. Her grandchildren: Karinna, Melissa, Natalie, Karla, Ariana, Nicole and Daniel, and her great grandchildren: Sophia, Leah, Gabriel, Sophia Marie, Roman, Zoey, Guillermo, Harley Rey, and Danna.

Visitation will be held at Riverdale Funeral Home at 5044 Broadway, NY NY 10034 on Sunday, August 4, 20024 from 3pm to 7pm.