After a brave and valiant struggle, Cruz Perez Santana Lopes passed away peacefully in her sleep September 24th, 2020.

Born in Jiguani, Cuba she came to this country in 1943 and attended Jane Adams High School in her much loved Bronx, New York where she married and raised her four children. She was a relentless warrior for her children providing the best she could give. She remarried and moved to Florida with her devoted and committed husband Adolfo Lopes who tirelessly cared for her every need.

Nina as she was lovingly known to family and friends was the family matriarch. Nina worked to support her family and achieved her dream of caring for others by becoming a Certified Home Health Aide. She was recognized as an exemplary care giver many times over dedicating herself especially to Aids patients. She was an expert tailor, seamstress and loved to crochet. She picked up languages easily, fluent in four, she served as a translator too many whom she helped with citizenship. Though Nina's health was failing from Multiple Myeloma for years, few knew the the extent of her struggle. Her joy for life and infectious spirit kept her pushing through her pain.

Nina was loved by all who knew her. She was full of energy yet touched everyone with her kindness, caring and generosity. She gave herself wholeheartedly. She made everyone smile and feel good. She was the first one on the dance floor at every event. Joy, empathy and forgiveness were in her heart and soul.  Above all else she enjoyed spending time with her family. Family was everything to her, her pride and her delight. Each child, grandchild and great grandchild was as special to her as her first. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoyed a special bond with her and she with them. They called her Granma Nina.

Nina is survived by her husband Adolfo Lopes, residing in Ormond Beach, Florida, her children Hilda (Cookie) Artesona, NJ, Roxanne LeBeau, Fl and Alexandra Conde residing in CA, her grandchildren Nina Maldonado, Melissa Espana, Jessica Rivera, Carlos Barcia, Melanie Barcia, Lisset Stevenson, Jaime Conde and Jonathan Conde. She was ecstatic with the birth of each surviving 15 great-grandchildren. Son-inlaws Jerry, Kevin and Jaime who were like sons to her. She is also survived by her younger sister Ohelia (Jeri) Novellino and brother John Perez both residing in Florida. She had many many nieces and nephews naming Tia Nina as their very favorite aunt. Her friends adored her and grieve as if family because they were family to her.

She was greeted in heaven we know, by her only beloved son Douglas Santana who is probably showing her around as he once did driving around showing her shortcuts and exploring their town of Ormond Beach and nearby neighborhoods.

We will think of her each and every day, miss her smile and embrace, her face time calls wanting to know how we were and what we needed. She will live in our hearts and minds forever.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life by gathering on October 10, 2020 at Lohman's Funeral Home, Ormond Beach Florida from 1:30 - 4pm. For those too far or unable to come we hope to have a virtual viewing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Judes Children's Hospital, her life long charity or the Multiple Myeloma Foundation be made in her name. Condolences and memories are welcome to be shared via this online guestbook.