Cruz Cato 96, Brawley
May 17, 1923 - Aug. 31, 2019
Cruz Helen Cato, 96, of Brawley passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 31, 2019 at Pioneers Memorial Hospital.
Cruz was born May 17, 1923 in Oxnard, CA to Francisco and Josefa Zazueta. She attended Magnolia School and graduated from Brawley Union High School in 1941. She married Ruben Thompson Cato in Yuma, AZ on August 11, 1945. Ruben passed away at the young age of 43. Cruz was left to raise their seven children, which she did with determination, humility and an ever abundance of faithfulness to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She worked at a variety of jobs including, J. J. Newberry, MacDonald’s Department Store, a Teacher’s Aide at Brawley Elementary School, Farmer’s Insurance with Jay & Frances Tucker and later with their daughter, Karen Tucker Constable. She retired at the age of 80.
Cruz was a friend to many. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Church serving as a eucharistic minister for many years and attending mass daily.
Cruz was preceded in death by her parents, Francisco and Josefa Zazueta; husband, Ruben; sisters, Mary Arnaiz, Josephine Aguayo, Margaret Alcala; brothers, Frank and Manuel Zazueta.
She is survived by her sister, Virginia Souza of San Antonio, TX; seven loving children, Steve (Dana), David (Judy), Rebecca , Tom (Rachel), Art (Grace), Jack (Dee), and Mary Dowsey (Floyd); 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and many more loving family and friends.
The Cato Family would like to thank the caring staff at Pioneers Memorial Hospital. The family is also grateful for the many visitors, words of encouragement and many prayers.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Sacred Heart Church Building Fund, 402 S. Imperial Avenue, Brawley, CA 92227.
Service will be held on Saturday, September 21st at 9 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 402 S. Imperial Avenue, Brawley, CA and will be Officiated by: Fr. Andrew Kunambi. A Celebration of Life lunch reception will follow the mass at Gateway Church, 4249 Highway 86, Brawley, CA 92227.