Southbridge: Ada S. (Aponte) Cruz, "Biba", 75 passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 18 ^th , in the Southbridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, after a long illness.

Her husband of 53 years, Ramon "Moncho" Cruz, "Bibo", passed away on April 16, 2017.  She leaves her two sons, Andy R. Cruz and his wife Joanne of Jacksonville, FL and Daniel Cruz and his wife Sharon of Swansea; two daughters, Ramonita "Nita" Brunell of Sturbridge and Cynthia Minton and her husband Tiyika of Southbridge; ten grandchildren, Wendy, Stephen, Stephanie, Andy, Brandon, Malyssa, Marissa, Kevin, Callie and Kiyiana; eleven great grandchildren, Jadin, Harlie, Adaliz, Ryleigh, Aiden, Dominic, Ethan, Jacob, Elijah, Meazlyn and Roman; three sisters, Antonia Melendez of Puerto Rico, Andrea Ortiz of Southbridge and Margarita Melendez of Southbridge; a step brother, Modesto "Pepe" Aponte of Southbridge; a step sister, Margarita Aponte of Puerto Rico; and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by six brothers, Efrain Aponte, Hector Aponte, Jose Aponte, Angel Aponte, Victor Aponte and Juan Aponte and three sisters, Paula Negro, Praxides "Pasin" Torres and Olga Alicea.  Ada was born in Orocovis, Puerto Rico the daughter of Manuel and Petronila (Colon) Aponte.

Ada worked for RP Manufacturing as a monogrammer and many years at the American Optical Co. before retiring many years ago.  She was a member of St. John Paul II Parish in Southbridge.  Ada had a deep passion for gardening, all types of flowers, sewing, making dolls and spending time with her family.  Her greatest love was for her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She left a special piece in everyone's heart.  She will be greatly missed by everyone.

The Cruz family would like to thank the nurses at Southbridge Rehab and Healthcare Center for  the exceptional care they provided our mother and for that we are forever grateful.

Ada's funeral service and burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Southbridge, will be held at a later date.  There are no calling hours.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.