Ofelia Moreno Cruz

Ofelia Moreno Cruz, 74, long-time resident of Chicago, passed away on Sunday, April 25, 2021; loving mother of Jaime (Carla) Moreno and Berenice (Alonso) Moreno; attentive and loving grandmother of Hugo, Mila, Olivia and Stella; supportive big sister to Gloria, Silviano, Gustavo, Raul, Veronica and Hector.  She is preceded in death by her son, Hugo Moreno, and her parents, Silviano Cruz and Filomena Aguirre.   

She was born in Mexico, the eldest of 7 siblings. She was the first of her entire family (immediate and extended) to graduate from college with a degree in Social Work. After graduating, she worked for the Secretary of Public Education in Mexico City.  During this time, she became a political and social activist and worked in the presidential campaign of former president of Mexico, Jose Lopez Portillo, during his 6-year term.  She then worked as an advisor/counselor for high school students in Mexico City’s Public Schools.   

Upon moving to the United States, she and her late ex-husband became entrepreneurs, opening and managing a corner grocery store – Moreno Food Mart – in the Pilsen Neighborhood in the early 1980's.  She then went on to attain an Associate’s Degree in early childhood education and worked as a teacher’s aide for the Archdiocese of Chicago.   

Ofelia was a devout Catholic and always worked toward keeping her children in the Catholic school system while always emphasizing the importance of higher education.  Despite being a single mother and having many chronic health ailments, she always carried a welcoming smile, a confident demeanor and always made a positive impact on all the lives she touched.  She will be truly missed by many.  May she rest in eternal peace and be reunited with our loved ones.  

Visitation Friday, April 30th, 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Michael Coletta Sons Funeral Home, 544 W. 31st St., Chicago.  Funeral Mass Saturday, May 1st, 10:00 a.m. at Providence of God Catholic Church, 717 W. 18th St, Chicago.  Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

DUE TO THE CURRENT COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE VISITATION WILL BE LIMITED TO FIFTY (50) PEOPLE AT ANY GIVEN TIME.  ALL VISITORS ENTERING THE FUNERAL HOME ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A FACE COVERING. DUE TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO WOULD LIKE TO PAY THEIR RESPECTS, WE ASK THAT YOU MAKE YOUR VISIT A BRIEF ONE IN ORDER TO ALLOW ALL WHO WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND A CHANCE TO DO SO. THE FAMILY APPRECIATES YOUR SINCERE COOPERATION DURING THESE VERY CHALLENGING AND DIFFICULT TIMES.  IF YOU DO NOT FEEL WELL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU STAY HOME AND REST.

In accordance with local, state and national mandates, those entering the church are required to wear a face covering and physical distancing will be observed.  There will be no congregating allowed and all guests will be checked in. Please arrive approximately 15 minutes in advance of the start of Mass to provide ample time for check in.  To help manage the number of guests in attendance, we kindly request that you RSVP (see link below) if you will be attending the Mass.  The family appreciates your sincere cooperation during these very challenging and difficult times.  If you do not feel well, it is recommended that you stay home and rest.

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