Francisca Cruz

Francisca Cruz, 92, of Bethlehem, died on Saturday, January 27, 2018 with her family by her side. She was born April 2, 1925, the youngest of 10 children, in Patillas, Puerto Rico; daughter of the late Meliton Pabon and Leocadia Rodriguez. Francisca was preceded in death by her husband, Benito Cruz and her son, Ramon Pabon.

Francisca will be remembered for her kind heart, her fighting spirit to help those in need, her devotion to God, her pride in the Southside Bethlehem community and for the love she shared with her family; always putting them first.

She worked in the garment industry as a sewing machine operator for several years before taking a position with Allied Environmental Services at Lehigh University. She was an integral part of a union being formed for those that worked with her.

Francisca was a very active parishioner of Holy Infancy Catholic Church; where she was a member of the Confraternity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Cursillo Movement and Catholic Charismatic Renewal, as well as many church activities. She was a Broughal Middle School and Freedom High School band booster and Francisca volunteered countless hours for many civic organizations; including Hogar CREA, and Spanish Council.

She will be dearly missed by her children, Maria E. Rivera, wife of Francisco; Lydia Roque, wife of Juan; Iris M. Martinez, wife of Santos; Carmen Laboy, wife of Moises; William Cruz and companion, Bonnie Parr; Francis Cruz; and Benita Davis, wife of Edward; 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and loved ones.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 8:00-9:15 a.m. at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. on Friday at Holy Infancy Catholic Church, 312 E. 4th St. Bethlehem, PA 18015. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Infancy Church.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Visitation
Thursday, February 1, 2018
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Connell Funeral Home
245 E. Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Visitation
Friday, February 2, 2018
8:00 AM - 9:15 AM
The Connell Funeral Home
245 E. Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, February 2, 2018
10:00 AM
Holy Infancy Catholic Church
312 East Fourth St.
Bethlehem PA 18015
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531