Carmen E. Cruz, age 88, of Portage, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at the Golden Living Facility in Valparaiso.  She was born in Puerto Rico on May 28, 1929 to the late Felipe and Christina (nee Sosa) Fontanez.  She worked as a CNA for South Shore Hospital in Chicago and as a seamstress at Jansen in Gary.

Carmen is survived by sons, Paul Cruz of Michigan City, Anthony Cruz of Michigan City, Rick (Alissa) Cruz of Oklahoma, Paulie (Grisselda) Cruz of Arizona; daughters, Nellie (John) Kingsbury of Hobart, Tresa (Earl) Houston of Florida, Zelma (Bob) Spence of Ohio, Noemi Lopez of Virginia, Carmen (Bradley) Werner of Chesterton; sisters, Paula Flores of Portage, Rosa Lezama; brother, Raphael (Luce Maria) of Puerto Rico; 17 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hipolito Cruz; granddaughter, Jacqueline Jones; grandson, Robert Miller; brother, Eduardo Fontanez; sister, Elena Gonzalez; and her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made in Carmen's honor to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, November 10, 2017 beginning with 11:00 am prayers at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel 5341 Central Ave. Portage, IN 46368 then proceeding to Nativity of our Savior Church, 2949 Willowcreek Rd. Portage, IN 46368 with Rev. David Kime officiating.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Portage.  Friends may gather with the family on Thursday, November 9, 2017 from 5-8 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel with a prayer service starting at 5:30 pm.  For more information, please call 219-762-3013.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.