Oralia C. Cruz

Oralia Cruz, 65, entered into eternal rest on Friday, May 5, 2017, at Valley Baptist Medical Center, surrounded by those dearest to her heart, her family.

Oralia was born on September 8, 1951, in San Benito, Texas, to Manuel and Magdalena Cruz.  She was preceded in death by her loving parents.

Oralia is survived by her siblings: Otila (Roberto) Maldonado, Norma (Alejandro) Hernandez, Diana (Gualberto+) Gonzales, Manuel (Lourdes) Cruz, Mario Cruz, Rudy (Luisa) Cruz, Yolanda (Guadalupe) Elizondo, Itza Delma Cruz, and Lizette (Rudy) Flores.  She was a loving aunt to numerous nieces and nephews and a faithful friend to many.

Oralia graduated from San Benito High School and pursued her post-secondary education at the University of Texas in Brownsville.  She earned her Bachelors and Masters Degrees and obtained her education certificate in administration.  She dedicated 40 years to the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District, where she faithfully served in numerous roles, including teacher, instructional coach, and dean of instruction.  She proudly and relentlessly empowered each of her students to pursue their dreams, and amongst her colleagues, she was known as a dedicated team player.

Honorary Pallbearers will be her nephews, Michael Anthony Cruz and Randy Daniel Cruz, and great-nephew and godson, Michael James Cruz.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 8, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Holy Rosary recited that evening at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass to celebrate Oralia's life will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church. A funeral procession will follow to her final place of rest at Mont Meta Memorial Park. Funeral services are under the direction of San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 W. Business U.S. 77, San Benito, Texas. (956)361-9192