Tarcila E. Cruz's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Tarcila E. Cruz December 24, 1928 – June 25, 2025 “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.” — Matthew 25:23
With deep love and profound sorrow, we celebrate the life and legacy of our beloved matriarch, Tarcila E. Cruz, who peacefully returned to her Creator on June 25, 2025, at the blessed age of 96½. Surrounded by prayer and family, her departure was as graceful as the life she lived—rooted in faith, marked by resilience and strength, and overflowing with unconditional love.
A Humble Beginning, A Life of Great Impact
Tarcila, fondly known as “Tacing”, was born on December 24, 1928, in Langla, Jaen, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, the 8th of ten children born to Severino Eduardo and Salome Mateo, from the well-respected Esquivel and De Guzman clans. She was the last surviving sibling, the final living thread of a generation raised in sacrifice, service, and dignity. She married the love of her life, Gerardo Cruz, with whom she built a strong and loving family. He preceded her in death in 1998, but their bond lives on through their children: Alejandro (Luvie), Nancy (Bon), Manuel (Brigida), Jocelyn (June), Irene (Orico), Evangelina (Tom), Edward. Tacing was the proud grandmother of: Rhea Marie (Tristan), Apple, Joyce (Rens), Kristian, Kristin (Andrew), Jayar, Jay, Jocelle (Joshua), Hazel, Airi, and Junichi. Her joy multiplied through her great-grandchildren: Troi, Yza, Uno, Una, Alexis, Gael, Raejin, Natalia, Julianna, and Jill Tarcila.
A Life of Service and Wisdom
Tacing dedicated her life to education, beginning her career as a schoolteacher in the Philippines. She believed deeply in the power of knowledge and shaped the lives of countless students with her steady guidance, patience, and love. She never forgot her early students, often speaking of them with pride, especially when learning of their successes later in life. Her fellow educators respected her, and her students cherished her. Her influence rippled far beyond the classroom—it shaped character, inspired direction, and built dreams. After immigrating to the United States in 1988, she embraced a new chapter with courage and humility. She worked part-time in a local elementary school until she retired. She was thrilled to be reunited with almost all of her children and grandchildren in the U.S., calling it one of her life’s greatest blessings.
A Brilliant Mind and Gentle Heart
Tacing was admired for her sharp intellect—she could calculate complex sums in her head with ease well into her 90s. She loved to read and write, often reflecting on life, family, and faith through her journal entries. She was also entrepreneurial, always thinking of creative ways to support her loved ones and help others. She was a loyal friend and a dependable relative, always ready to offer her presence, comfort, or help when someone was in need. Her humility, generosity, and quiet strength earned the respect of everyone who knew her. Her great sense of humor is not just funny, it’s comforting and disarming, she knows just what to say to lift one’s spirit.
Her Joys: Faith, Flowers, and Family
Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. One of her most treasured memories was her pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, where she experienced the sacred bath in the miraculous waters. She was also blessed to walk through the Holy Door at the Vatican during the Jubilee Year 2000. She beamed with joy when she recalled visiting Rome, dining with former students who prepared eggplant parmigiana and other Italian dishes. She delighted in seeing the Fontana di Trevi, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Venice, Naples, Island of Capri, The Ruined city of Pompei, she’s been to Florence, Milan, and soaking in the serenity of Hawaii, Cancun, Bermuda. She experienced the crowded train rides in Tokyo, the nice drive in Germany, and Belgium. Tacing loved gardening and flowers, often seen in her backyard admiring blooms or sitting by the pool soaking in the sun. A yellow butterfly often visited, a gentle reminder of grace and presence. One of her favorite places in the world was The Butchart Gardens’ Secret Garden, in Victoria, Canada where she found beauty, silence, and inspiration. She also loved returning to the Philippines, reconnecting with extended family and enjoying the familiar comfort of her homeland. To many, she was known as “Nanang Tacing”—or “Lola Tacing”, remembered for her kindness, her sweet espasol, and her willingness to help anyone in need.
A Legacy of Love
To her family, she was simply Nanay—the stronghold of the family, a wise leader, a loving nurturer, and a quiet provider. She constantly reminded us to “count your blessings” and to “be generous to others”. To whom much is given, much is required Luke 12:48. She lived simply but gave richly of her time, her heart, and her wisdom. She was the unshakable glue that kept generations connected. Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice knowing she is now in the embrace of her beloved Gerardo, her parents, siblings, and all who went before her. Her memory will live on in every life she touched, in every lesson she taught, and in every act of kindness she inspired.
What’s your fondest memory of Tarcila?
What’s a lesson you learned from Tarcila?
Share a story where Tarcila's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Tarcila you’ll never forget.
How did Tarcila make you smile?