Obituary of Catalina Mendoza Cruz

Catalina Mendoza Cruz, 81, of Freehold passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, New Brunswick. She was born and raised in the Philippines, came to the United States with her family in 1972, and settled in Freehold in 1987. Catalina worked as a Physician from 1972 until 2014 for Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Her maternal instincts were transcended and implemented in her career as a caretaker, nurturer, and leader. She enjoyed playing mahjong, 3 card poker, and singing karaoke. Catalina was an amazing cook, specializing in all Filipino recipes. She had a passion for gardening and tended to her own garden at home. Catalina also liked the opening whistling song to the Andy Griffith show. A fan of country music, she could often be found listening to Willy Nelson and Kenny Rodgers.

She was predeceased by her husband, Isidro F. Cruz in 2021. Catalina is survived by her daughter, Irene Cruz Lamoureux and her husband, Keith of Lake Worth, FL; son, Hector M. Cruz of Freehold; and grandchildren, Brandon Bevacqua and his wife, Melanie, Anthony Bevacqua, and Angelina Bevacqua.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 10:30 AM Funeral Mass on Friday, October 20, 2023 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 16 McLean Street, Freehold. For those that cannot attend in person, the family invites you to participate via Webcast, HERE. Entombment will follow in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery, 299 Freehold-Englishtown Road, Freehold. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com