Catherine Cruz

South Portland - Catherine Foley Cruz, 67, of Pilgrim Road, passed away after a short illness on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. The story of Catherine Foley began on March 2, 1952 in Portland. She was born to the late Joseph and Margaret (Cady) Foley. While she was an only child, Catherine had a large extended Irish Catholic family. She remained proud of those roots throughout her life. She was raised in South Portland in a neighborhood close to her cousins. She graduated from Catherine McAuley High School in 1970 and attained her Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Southern Maine. . In her early years, Catherine accepted the fact that she may never marry. She was very content being the "Fun Aunt" to all of her nieces and nephews. However, God had different plans. In the late 1980's, Catherine met John Cruz, a friend to one of her cousins. John and Catherine connected immediately, and were married on July 5, 1991. Almost exactly one year later, the couple welcomed into the world their pride and joy, Margaret. Over the next 27 years, Margaret was the apple of Catherine's eye. She was a selfless mother and always encouraged Margaret to be the best she could be. Catherine attended all of her daughter's games & events, would take any call at any time, and always had a kind and patient way about her. Simply put, Catherine was a hands on mother who was very generous and giving of herself. She was fiercely loyal and completely supportive of Margaret. Another large part of Catherine's life was her selfless dedication as a teacher. For over 44 years, Catherine taught in the Westbrook School Department, spending much of her career as a third grade teacher at Congin Elementary School. Teaching is a noble profession, often putting the needs of others in front of your own. Year after year, Catherine did just that. She was a staunch supporter and advocate for the betterment of those students. She was fearless and always stuck up for the children, sometimes even it if meant disagreeing with school administrators or parents. Catherine recognized that children needed a foundation of support, and she made sure that she offered that to every student in her class. Many will remember Catherine for her light hearted personality, big flashy jewelry and her crazy sweaters. She had a love for decorating, love for her English Bulldog, Santos, but most of all, had a love for Margaret, Nick, and her entire family. Catherine's legacy lives on in the lives of all who were impacted by this remarkable woman. Catherine was welcomed into Heaven by her husband, John and her parents, Joseph and Margaret. She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Cruz and husband Nick Godfrey of Manchester, CT; cousins whom she loved like sisters, Mary Catherine Martin of Standish and Barbara Boyle of NH; she is also survived by the Folan Family and will lovingly be remembered as Kay Kay by several extended nieces and nephews. Visiting Hours celebrating Catherine's life will be held on Sunday, September 22 from 1-4PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 11AM at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will follow at New Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Catherine Foley Cruz Fund for the Congin Library, c/o Westbrook School Department, 117 Stroudwater Street, Westbrook, ME 04092.