Crucita Cristina Portillo Ortiz
1932 - 2017
Crucita Cristina Portillo Ortiz, 84, born in Santa Fe, New Mexico on September 22, 1932, passed away on June 6, 2017, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Crucita was cherished by a large family and countless friends for her kindness and humility. A devoted Catholic, Crucita sang for over 40 years in the Parish Spanish Choirs at Cristo Rey, the Basilica Cathedral of St. Francis, St. Anne’s, and Risen Savior in Albuquerque.
Crucita is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Melisendro [Mel] Ortiz. Mel and Crucita were married at Cristo Rey Church in Santa Fe on December 3, 1949. Crucita is lovingly remembered by her children Connie Lopez, Sylvia Ortiz (Carmen Marquez), Deborah Ortiz Berardinelli (David), Carmen Ortiz, Luis Ortiz (Sharon), brother Filimon Portillo, her seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins from the Ortiz and Portillo families of Santa Fe. Crucita is predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Josefita Portillo, brother Adolfo Portillo, and son-in-law Rudy Lopez. The family extends its special thanks to Amber Care hospice care as well as Crucita’s thoughtful, dedicated caregivers.
The viewing will be held at Cristo Rey Church, 1120 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, New Mexico on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at Cristo Rey Church on Monday, June 12, 2017, at 10:00 am. Interment will occur at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 9500 Montgomery Boulevard NE, Suite 121, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87111, or www.alz.org

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