Sandra Ivette Cruz

Sandra Ivette Cruz was born to Catalina Jimenez and Vidal Cruz on November 25, 1965, in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. At a young age she moved to Chicago with her mother and siblings to begin a new chapter in the continental United States of America.

Later, the family settled in Hoboken, New Jersey, where Sandra attended Hoboken High School and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. In September 1989, she welcomed her beloved daughter, Katherine Alexis, into the world. A few years after the birth of her daughter, she relocated to Jersey City, NJ, where she resided for the majority of her adult life. 

Sandra was a woman of many passions. She had a love for Spanish music, the Beatles, rock music and movies. Her love for stories was reflected in her admiration for Stephen King and Anne Rice, as well as her fascination with the horror genre.

Professionally, she pursued a career in administration services with an emphasis on human resources, building a successful career that culminated at Quest Diagnostics.

In 2018, Sandra was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite her challenges, she embraced life and lived each day to the fullest. She found immense joy spending time with her cherished grandson, Tyler, and creating beautiful, lasting memories.

On February 2, 2025, Sandra peacefully departed this earthly life, leaving behind a legacy of immense strength and resilience.

Sandra leaves behind a family who will forever honor her memory: her daughter, Katherine (TyQuan); grandson, Tyler; mother, Catalina; sister, Sonia (Michael); brother, Ivens (Mirta); niece, Isabella; nephew, Giovanni; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Sandra’s warmth, courage, wittiness, laughter, and unwavering spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She fought hard, loved fiercely, and lived life to the fullest—right to the very end.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sandra's name to  Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/inmemoryofsandra.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd , Jersey City, NJ 07306 (For GPS navigation it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street, Jersey City). Funeral Mass will be held on Monday February 17,2025, 11:00 AM at St Paul of the Cross Church, 156 Hancock Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307. Cremation will be private.