Leela Cruz's Obituary
Leela Cruz
Sunrise: Thursday, January 27, 1949 … Sunset: Friday, July 29, 2022
CRUZ (nee Madoo), LEELA - passed-away peacefully at home in Cutler Bay, Florida on Friday,
July 29, 2022, after a courageous and inspirational battle with pancreatic cancer, diagnosed only
a few months ago. Formerly of Maraval, Trinidad and Tobago, and St Croix, USVI, Leela also
worked for many years in the Library of the University of Miami at Coral Gables, retiring in 2020.
Beloved and devoted wife of Nelson Xavier Cruz, and mother of Rajeev (Teresa), Ravi (Peta) and
Roma (Reinier). Adoring grandmother of Isabella, Nelson Jr, Michael (‘Mikey’), Dominic, Cristian
and Luna. Daughter of the late Radhica (‘Dolly’) & Lutchman Madoo of Trinidad. Sister of the late
Basanty (Emlyn) Geeban, Krishna and Sharma Madoo; and of Cushela (Denase) Gosein, Bharat
Madoo, Chandra (‘Sarge’) Sooknanan, Anganie (Chandru) Chatlani and Radica (Michael) Dolsingh.
Sister-in-law of the late Gloria and Felix Cruz; and of Anita Romero, Hilda Cruz, Bedelia Cruz, Nivia
Casas and Victorina Cruz; and of Linda Madoo. For decades Leela was also a surrogate counsellor
to many of her children’s ‘friends-from-young’, including Griff, Dan, Nari, Manny, Gabbie, Tanya,
Rubina, Alex & Jenny, among others. Dearly loved Aunt of Vidya, Mitra & Indira Geeban; Sally
Lakhan, Debbie Harripersad & Bindra Madoo; Kishore & Asha Gosein; Anjalie Rampersad & Avita
Sooknanan; Aneeta Villani & Anjana Chatlani; and Leandra & the late Matthew Dolsingh.
Leela taught us about sacrifice through her selfless dedication to her husband and children. She
also cared deeply for her wider circle of family and friends. She was a ‘stickler for detail’; but,
even in remaining characteristically resolute she would be cheerful and positive, including at
those times when Life’s challenges would have been difficult if not overwhelming. She was a pillar
of strength when the family needed to rebuild their lives and home after Hurricane Andrew in
1992. And still, when she was ready, she could ‘let her hair down’, even ‘baila’ at a birthday
celebration or other happy occasion. Her three children were her joy, her commitment; and she
would generously extend that joy and commitment to her treasured husband of fifty-one years,
to those six promising grandchildren of Nelson’s and hers, to her siblings and nieces and nephews
and others within her wide circle of family and friends. A family icon has passed-on. Much too
young. She had so much more to do. To celebrate, and to be grateful for. Our Leela, ‘My Coolie
Woman’, ‘Mammie’, ‘Granny’, ‘Auntie’, ‘Girlfriend’. ‘Leels’: you are irreplaceable. You set the
bar high. You will be sorely, deeply missed.
A Farewell Service and Blessing will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022 at 9:00 o’clock in the
morning at Branam Funeral Home, 809 North Krome Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030, according
to Hindu rites and to be officiated by Pundit Sarve. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in
Leela’s name to the research body ‘Stand Up For Cancer’ - either through
https://standuptocancer.org/donate/ or by mail to Stand Up For Cancer, P O Box 843721, Los Angeles, CA
90084-3721.
What’s your fondest memory of Leela?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leela?
Share a story where Leela's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leela you’ll never forget.
How did Leela make you smile?