Rosa Cruz was born October 11,1934 in Caguas, Puerto Rico and passed away June 9, 2023. In 1980 Rosa packed her and her children up to begin a new life in New York City. There she and her children lived for 8 years and then in 1989 they left for Grand Rapids, Michigan where she resided for the rest of her days. Here, she found work through the GRPS system and worked for 13 years, she was lovingly known as " Abuelita". It wasn't an easy journey and there were many challenges along the way but Rosa persevered to give her children a better life with better opportunities.

Rosa was a strong & fearless woman and she instilled those same values into her children. She would always say "Fear is baggage." This is why she always spoke her mind and was firm with her decisions, once her mind was made up there was no changing it. Rosa was also a very kind woman who always gave with her heart, never expecting anything in return.

Rosa enjoyed cooking, puzzles, dancing, singing and she also had a passion for gardening. Most importantly she enjoyed spending time with her family. Always being present for all the family gatherings, celebrations and ceremonies. She would always make sure she was there. In the days following up to her death, her grandson was getting married. Somehow Rosa knew she was coming to her last days and refused to miss it. Despite how much pain she was in she never let it show. She hit the dance floor dancing the night away one last time.

Rosa is survived by her 10 children, Amparo Gomez, Lucy Santiago Cruz, Angel Santiago Cruz, Rosita M. Santiago Cruz, Ariel Melendez, Ivette Melendez, Miguel A Melendez, Johnny Melendez, Arnaldo Melendez and Marisol Melendez followed by their spouses and then Rosa's many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and her only niece  Emma Y. Vazquez Cruz. Rosa was preceded in death by her beloved daughter,  Susana Santiago Cruz.

There will be a private family viewing Tuesday June 13, from 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM. The family will greet guests at 4:00PM until 7:00PM.