Southbridge: Arleen J. (Richard) Cruz, 79, of Therese Ave., passed away on Monday, Jan. 17 ^th , in UMass Memorial Heathcare-Harrington Hospital, Southbridge, after an illness.

Her husband, Segundo "Mike" Cruz, passed away in 2005.  She leaves her three daughters, Linda M. Spenard of Southbridge, Susan A. Gauvin and her husband Mark Landry of Lexington, SC and Catherine Cruz-Silva and her husband Jose of Dracut; her two sisters, Gloria J. Grzembski of Brookfield and Denise Lloyd of Connecticut; five grandchildren, Richard Gonzalez, Mitchell Spenard, Meguel Gonzalez, Shantee Machado and Cori Chambers; six great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her grandson, Shawn Spenard.  She was born in Southbridge the daughter of Emile and Arleen M. (Emmons) Richard and attended Notre Dame Schools in Southbridge.

Arleen enjoyed watching old movies, dinning out, the outdoors, shopping and going on long drives.  Most of all she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

A funeral Mass for Arleen will be held on Thursday, Jan. 20 ^th , at 11:00am in St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 247 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Southbridge.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 West 44th Street, Suite 609, New York, NY 10036.