Lucy Cruz Strucic

Our beautiful and beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Lucy Cruz-Strucic peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 24th, 2021, surrounded by her family.

Lucy was born on July 16, 1931 and raised in Bayamon, a small town in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  She was one of nine children, 5 brothers and 4 sisters, and was born a twin to her sister Carmen.  As a child, Lucy loved to wear the beautifully hand-made dresses sewn by her mother.  She also enjoyed playing baseball and going dancing with her sisters.  

Lucy was one of the strongest, kindest and independent women to ever walk this earth and our family was blessed to have her as the head of the family. Lucy moved to New York in the mid 1960’s and landed a job working for the Puerto Rican Forum.  She attended LaGuardia Community College and obtained her Associates Degree.  In 1965, Lucy met her husband Benko and together they had a daughter, Lizette.  Lucy went on to establish a career within the New York City public school system as a Secretary and retired in 1995. 

Lucy was a wonderful mother and grandmother who gave her all to her family.  She supported her daughter through the many passions and difficulties in her life and she adored her grandchildren more than anything in this world.  She loved watching her novelas, playing board games (especially Dominoes), gardening and spending time with family and friends. We will never be able to fill the space left behind by her.  

Lucy was predeceased by her mother, father, five brothers and three sisters.   She is survived by her loving sister Hilda, her devoted daughter Lizette and her loving grandchildren Kyra and Evan.

Please consider a donation in Lucy’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, as this organization was important to her. Family will receive guests at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home located in Huntersville, NC between 3pm-5pm on Saturday, February 27th, 2021.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kepnerfh.com.