Beatrice C. (Cruz) Leal, 69, of New Bedford died Tuesday February 12, 2013 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Mariano and Emily (Costa) Cruz, she lived in New Bedford for most of her life.
Mrs. Leal was formerly employed as a custodian for the New Bedford Public School Department until her retirement.
She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving children, Robbin Dias and her husband David and Kelly Leal Tavares, all of New Bedford, and Eric Frias of Arizona; a stepdaughter, Tammy Costa of Dartmouth; her siblings, Donald Cruz and Carol Cardoza, both of New Bedford; her beloved grandchildren, Russell Tavares, Jr., JoLene Dias and her fiancé Cesar Lopez, and Tessa Tavares; her beloved great-grandchildren, Ayla and Ari Lopez; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Patricia Rivera.
Her family will receive visitors at a memorial gathering on Friday from 5-8 PM at the home of her daughter Kelly at 183 Thompson St., New Bedford. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.