Maria “Cuty” Mercedes Tavarez Cruz passed into eternal life surrounded by all her children and husband on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Maria was born on May 6, 1950, in Carolina, Puerto Rico to Cristobal Rodriguez and Angela Vizcarrando. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. On October 16, 1971, Maria and Louie Cruz were married and went on to have 5 children; Allen, Rick, Melanie, John and Stephanie.

Maria loved to worship the Lord, and sang in several choirs all throughout her life. She especially enjoyed serving the Lord as part of the Manassas Assembly of God Choir.

Her hobbies included caring for her beloved horses and dog Benji. She loved spending time with her children and family, and her sweetest joy was her 14 grandchildren. She loved them and prayed for them often.

Maria is preceded in death by her father, Cristobal Rodriguez, mother, Angela Vizcarrando, and brother Angel Tavarez.  Survivors include her husband, Louie Joseph Cruz. Her five children, Allen Cruz, Rick Cruz, Melanie Thornberg (Dave Thornberg), John Cruz (Julia Cruz) and Stephanie Garver (Paul Garver), her 14 grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and family members whom she loved dearly.