Myrtle Ruth Cruz

January 02, 1930 - December 28, 2025

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Obituary for Myrtle Ruth Cruz

Life Reflections

“Good morning, Myrtle Ruth. This is God, I will be taking good care of you today. So, relax and have a great day. Go where I tell you, do what I say, and trust in me.” -Myrtle R. Cruz

Myrtle Ruth Cruz—a devoted mother, respected member of the community, and the steady heartbeat of a sprawling, loving family—passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 28, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy defined by her belief that with faith and family, any distance can be traveled.

A Foundation of Strength

Born Myrtle Ruth Toon on January 2, 1930, in Red Springs, NC, Myrtle was the first of Daniel and Helen Toon’s eleven children. From her earliest days, she was more than a daughter; she was a protector and a guardian. This early responsibility shaped the woman she would become: a pillar of immense faith, quiet strength, and effortless grace.

Myrtle showed her tenacity for life as she and her family began their journey north. At just 15 years old, Myrtle stood in the cotton fields of Goldsboro, N.C. working alongside her mother and siblings to pick enough bushels of cotton to afford the train fare to Boston. She didn't just move to a new city; she worked her way toward a new future. Upon arriving in Boston, Myrtle enrolled in Girls High School, earning her diploma in1948.

A Mother’s Legacy

Myrtle’s greatest masterpiece was her family; with a steady and loving heart, she raised eight beautiful children with her husband Harold Cruz, Jr. Her home in the South End was always open, the table always set, and wisdom was shared as freely as laughter. She didn't just raise children; she raised citizens of the world, teaching them that education and service were the greatest tools for a life well lived.

Once her children were grown, Myrtle’s nurturing spirit led her to a new calling. She returned to school to become a Nurse’s Aide. She accepted a position at Tufts New England Medical Center where she administered unwavering care and compassion to her patients for more than two decades.

A Cornerstone of Faith

Myrtle’s ardent spirituality was anchored in St. Patrick Parish of Roxbury and later St. Katharine Drexel Parish of Dorchester. She was a beacon within the Black Catholic

community of Boston—a woman who didn't just attend church but strengthened it with her profound faith in God.

A devoted parishioner and lector, Myrtle lived out her calling as a committed Associate of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, an organization established for laypeople to carry forward the spiritual legacy and charism of Saint Katharine Drexel. She often reminisced about her pilgrimage to the Holy City of Rome, where she joined her parish community in honoring Saint Katharine Drexel at the Vatican.

In 2013, she received the prestigious Bishop James Augustine Healy Award—the archdiocese’s highest honor for Black Catholics. The award was a formal recognition of what her community already knew: that Myrtle was a tireless keeper of tradition and a fierce advocate for the faithful.

Joy and Remembrance

Beyond the accolades, Myrtle was a woman of vibrant joy. Whether she was catching the rhythm on a dance floor or finding peace in the water while swimming, she moved through life with purpose. Myrtle even participated in the 1996 Greater Boston Marathon Senior Games.

Myrtle was known most for her kind words, quick wit, and her classic handwritten letters – all traits that made every moment in her presence feel special.

While we mourn the loss of a matriarch, we celebrate the reunion taking place as she is met again with the children who preceded her in death, her beloved daughter, Michelle Williams and son, Anthony “Tony” Cruz.

Myrtle’s spirit continues to shine through the lives of her six surviving children—Steven Cruz, Stephanie Wilder, Harold Cruz III, Christina Cruz-Benton, Carmen Mercer, and Rosalyn Cruz; and her sisters, Helen Williams and Karimah Rashid.

Additionally, Myrtle will continue to be a guiding light to her 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson Amir Spataro.

Myrtle will be remembered by her many nieces, nephews, and friends, and by the Cruz in-laws with whom Myrtle had an enduring and loving relationship throughout her life.

May we always carry a piece of her generosity and her faith-driven light within each of us.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Patrick Church, 400 Dudley Street, Roxbury, Saturday January 17 at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited.

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17 Jan

Memorial Mass

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Saint Patrick Church 400 Dudley Street Roxbury, MA 02119 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • 10 TREES

    Ruth Andrews planted 10 trees in memory of Myrtle Ruth Cruz . - January 17, 2026

Condolences

  • January 22, 2026

    Norma -Harrell, Yeary

    Myrtle was dearly loved and will be truly missed. She was a wonderful mother and friend. With deepest sorry. The Harrell & Yeary family.

  • January 18, 2026

    Janet Uzoma

    The one and only Myrtle Cruz. My mom Alice "Barnett" Carter always had such wonderful things to say about her. They would see each other somewhere between Roxbury and Downtown Boston and talk for hours. I believe the wisdom she shared with my Mom was priceless. May they meet now in Heaven and May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ give comfort and peace to her entire family. Agape Love Janet Carter Uzoma

  • January 15, 2026

    Joanne Silva-Njoku

    With deep sympathy and remose. My heart goes out to the entire family in your hours of need. Mother Cruz was a wonderful, beautiful individual. We will miss her dearly. I have strong wonderful memories of our many conversations on life wisdom. What a blessing she has been. From Joanne Silva-Njoku

  • January 15, 2026

    Blue! FINESSE Entertainment

    On behalf of FINESSE Entertainment, I extend our sincere condolences to the family for your loss. I may say that Ruth has taken her place in the circle of life as WE ALL must do, so I would rather celebrate her life and legacy more so than mourn her passing. Again, my condolences to the family. Blue!

  • January 14, 2026

    Luis A. Tavares

    Luis, I worked with Ms.Ruth at New England Medical Center starting in the mid 80's when I was a teenager, along side her son 'Sunny Cruz'. She was a very calm, and peaceful person. She exuded kindness 'they don't make 'em like this anymore'. I extend my deepest condolences to her family, particularly Harold aka 'Sunny' and those who were blessed by her gracefulness. Descansa en paz

  • January 13, 2026

    Pamela Martin

    I would like to extend my sincere condolences to all the Cruz family. My prayers are with you all. I will always remember Myrtle being there for my family when we lost our dear mother, while taking care of her own family. This speaks on how special she was. She was loving, kind, thoughtful, had many words of wisdom and a sense of humor, she has never changed since I've known her. Although we missed some time not being in touch, when we did get back in touch, she would always ask about everyone in my family by name, one by one and when she wrote me letters she would write each name out, one by one. She will always hold a place in my heart and I'm so BLESSED to have known her. She will be greatly missed. Thank you Carmen for helping me to keep in touch. Sending my love to all the family. Sincerely Pam Martin