Nora Elia Rodriguez Cruz

March 2, 1957 - November 24, 2018

Nora Elia Rodriguez Cruz, 61, formerly of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 6:23 P.M. Saturday, November 24, 2018 in Chicago, IL. She was born March 2, 1957, in Harlingen, TX, the daughter of Liborio G. and Santiaga (Espino) Rodriguez. She was married to Gabino Cruz. He survives. She is survived by her mother, Santiaga Rodriguez; three sons, Juan M. Robles, Jr. (Courtney Messerle) of Kankakee, IL, Santos Robles (Evelin Zavala) of Chicago, IL, and Jose A. Robles (Amber Boudreau) of Kankakee, IL; four sisters, Maria Graciela (Ramon Sr.) Solis of New Braunfels, TX, Olga Lydia (Paul) Mayer of Seguin, TX, Corina Rodriguez of Chicago, IL, and Nancy Rodriguez (Stephen) Spadaro of San Antonio, TX; three brothers, Joe Rodriguez of Champaign, IL, Robert Rodriguez of Tampa, FL, and Lionel Rodriguez of Chicago, IL; three grandchildren, Isaiah Liborio, Julieta, and Camila Santiaga; three step-grandchildren, Trenton, Dylan, and Layla; fifteen nieces and nephews, Erika, Jessica (Jose Luis/Pepe), Jose Luis Jr. “Sonny”, Jacklyn, Sara, Isabella, Camilla, Sophie, Ramon Jr. (Charity), Evelina (Ivan), Taylor (Marisa), Rachelle (Jeremiah), Natalie, Gia, and Bella; and eight great-nieces and nephews, Christopher, Marrissa, Isamar, Pepito “LJ”, Andrew, Kellen, Rowan, and Hope. She was preceded in death by her father, Liborio Rodriguez; her grandparents in Mexico, and her sister-in-law, Elida. Nora loved her family and family gatherings. She adored her grandchildren and her sisters were her best friends. She had a fun-loving spirit and brought joy wherever she went. She was always cheerful, sweet, and kind. Nora loved listening to Christian music and had a strong faith. A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Thursday November 29, 2018 at St. Anthony Catholic Church 423 S. Third St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral mass will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Thursday at the church, with Father Thomas Gibson officiating. Following the service, she will be cremated. No burial will be held. Memorials may be made in Nora’s memory to St Anthony Catholic Church, 423 S. Third St., Hoopeston, IL 60942 or Phil’s Friends, 1350 Lake St. Suite I, Roselle, IL 60172 (philsfriends.org).