17/05/2024
We, from DPDS Batch ‘77, express our condolences to the family of our late beloved teacher, Mrs. Letty Cruz, who passed away yesterday.
Mrs. Cruz was our school librarian and Girl Scout teacher. We were privileged to have been her students. We were also so privileged to have interviewed her a during the taping of our coffee table book project.
In the words of our classmate Aimee Gonzales:
My deepest condolences to Noel, Gaya, Leda, Che and Reza on the passing on of their beloved mother, grandmother and one of Dipolog’s finest teachers, Letty Dalmacio Cruz
Letty Cruz was the Pilot school librarian when I was in elementary grades in Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School. I loved reading and would often go to the library to borrow books. She was serious and rarely smiled, but would point me to books that she said would ‘help broaden my imagination and vocabulary and help me write and speak better’.
She also hosted spelling quiz bees and was my girl scout teacher for several fun and memorable years.
She was my mother’s fellow Catholic Women’s League member and was active till the end. She would attend prayer meetings and socials. The last time I saw her was at my mother’s 85th birthday last December.
I also had the privilege to interview her for my Batch 77 Centennial anniversary video, where she recounted and wrote about the early days of Pilot School. Her penmanship remained impeccable and my classmates ( including Noel) and I teased and shared some light moments with her and other teachers including my mother.
Mrs. Cruz never let her illness defined her and I can say, she served as an inspiration to her peers and us her pupils in bravely soldiering on when life throws curve balls.
Rest well Ma’am Letty. I’m happy that you are now reunited with your husband Joe. Please say hi to my Papa and Jun.
Affectionately yours,
May Gonzales