Maria Margarita (Cruz) Morales

Maria Margarita (Cruz) Morales was born on June 10, 1952 in Caguas, Puerto Rico to Francisco Cruz and Maria Sanchez. She was raised by her loving Mamita and Aunt Trinidad who she called Mami along with her cousins who were like her siblings. Maria was an adventurous niñita “little girl” who enjoyed spending her days outside in the tropical sun swinging on vines and playing with her cap guns. At the age of 9 Maria, affectionately called “Chiquita” and “Margaret” to others, came to the USA to reside in Gary, Indiana with her Father and Mami Carmen. She always helped her mother in the kitchen and spent a lot of time being a role model and caring for her brothers. If you asked them to describe their sister they would all say she was different from all the others and it made them proud to be her brothers. She had a pure heart. At an early age Margaret accepted the Lord in her life. She shined her light brightly serving the people of God alongside her Father during his Pastorship at the Defenders of the Faith Church in Gary. Little did she know that during this time she would meet Ruben Morales Sr, the one who would become the love of her life for more than 50 years. In 1971 Margaret graduated from Horace Mann High School in Gary, Indiana. Shortly thereafter she became the Blushing Bride of the dashing Ruben and together they were blessed to have four caring and loving children. She worked as a clerk at the Lake County Court where she was a diligent worker for a number of years. Because of her desire to be more present in the home she decided to leave the workforce to become a Homemaker, raising her children. Margaret wanted to be like her Mamita. Her passion was her family. Over the years her children referred to her as the best Mami in the whole world. A true woman of God, Margaret served the community as a pillar, mentor, and mother figure to many. Eventually she found herself following her father’s footsteps and became the Pastor of Defenders of the Faith Church; where she and Ruben worked together spreading the word of God. She eventually became a clergy for the city, and she humbly fed those in need and the forgotten. She treated everyone with a kind heart and a warm smile, making them feel like family. On Sunday, January 22, 2023 God dispatched His angel and called Margaret into eternal rest. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Francisco Cruz and Maria Sanchez, brothers Francisco Cruz Jr. and Luis Cruz. Margaret leaves to cherish her memory: her loving and devoted husband of 49 years Ruben Morales, children Ruben Mario Morales (Gina) of Rochester, New York, Ati Morales of Gary, Indiana, Reynaldo Morales (Candice) of Gary, Indiana, ILia Bluiett (Anthony) of Avon, Indiana, grandchildren Ariel, Gabrielle, Elliandra, Elis, and Ezekiel; Mami Carmen , brothers Pedro Cruz, Alfred Cruz, Samuel Cruz, Gamaliel Cruz, Ismael Rivera Freddie Rivera, David Cruz, Isaac Cruz, Carlos Cruz, sister Milagro Padilla; three great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, an extended loving family and an endless treasure of loving friends and people whose lives she’s touched throughout the years. To all who loved her or called her friend, to everyone who created and shared so many wonderful memories and fun times with her, to our family who individually had unique and special bonds with her, be comforted in knowing she rests in God’s care and in the promise of Jesus. We will see her again! Visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 2 – 8 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 10 a.m. at Burns, Crown Point, IN. Interment Ridgelawn Cemetery. www.burnsfuneral.com.

Maria Margarita (Cruz) Morales

June 10, 1952 - January 22, 2023