In Memoriam Sister Beatrice Cruz, IWBS

Sister Beatrice, born Michaela Cruz, on Sept. 28, 1932, in Encinal, Texas, was the daughter of Jose Cruz, Sr. and Ignacia Molina Cruz. She resided in Beeville and attended Our Lady of Victory School.

On May 30, 1949, Michaela entered Incarnate Word Convent in Corpus Christi and was received as a novice on April 15, 1950, assuming the name Sister Mary Beatrice. She made first profession of vows April 21, 1951 and professed perpetual vows July 31, 1954. Sister Beatrice earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Edward’s University in Austin and a master’s degree in administration from Our Lady of the Lake in San Antonio.

Her years of ministry as a Sister included serving in the following schools: Our Lady of Victory in Beeville; Santa Rosa in Benavides; Corpus Christi Cathedral and Sacred Heart in Corpus Christi; Incarnate Word Academy Elementary; and Immaculate Conception in Brownsville.

Sister Beatrice served as Religious Education Coordinator for the Corpus Christi Deanery, and also as DRE at St. Joseph Parish in Donna and at St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Brownsville. From 1989-1993, Sister ministered as Associate Director of Continuing Education and Catechetics for Hispanics in the Diocese of Galveston-Houston.

From 1993-2009, she served as Catholic Sister Chaplain, working at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she ministered to many seriously sick persons and their families. Sister Beatrice was a member of the Catholic Chaplain Corps in the Diocese of Galveston-Houston.

For many years, she generously shared her special gift of teaching, giving retreats for adults and junior and senior high school students.

Sister Beatrice is survived by her brother Joe Cruz, Jr. and many devoted nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law, Mary Luisa Cruz.

She was laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Corpus Christi.