Julia Antonia Cruz

Julia Antonia Cruz Burgos, age 88, died peacefully on May 13, 2017 at home in Virginia Beach after a struggle with complications stemming from dementia. Julia was born on March 9, 1929 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Emilio Cruz and Marcelina Burgos. She was one of 7 with 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Julia enjoyed walking and being in nature. She was a woman of faith and her family was her passion and delight. She loved to laugh, especially with comedic favorites like John Ritter and Jim Carrey. She also loved sewing, knitting, and word find puzzles.  She created many outfits for the family as well as hand knit tablecloths. Julia attended Rafael Maria de Labra school in San Juan, PR. In 1958 she moved to New York. She worked in hair net factories and later in textile factories working with sweaters from which she later retired in 1991. She moved to VA in 1998 close to her daughter and grandchildren. Julia is survived by her daughter Leticia (Johnny) Rivera, sons Aurelio Espier and Pedro Espier, 16 grandkids, 13 great grandkids, and a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Tuesday night, May 23, at the Altmeyer’s Southside Chapel in Virginia Beach from 6-8pm.  The funeral service will be held the following day, Wednesday, May 24 at 12 noon. Burial at Woodlawn Memorial Park will follow.