Calleen Cruz

Newport, RI - Calleen Baker Cruz, 67, of 7 Weaver Avenue, Newport, RI, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, December 28, 2011.She was the wife of the late John Antone Cruz. Born in Dradock, PA, on July 18, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Harry Pakowsky and Ann Baker. Cookie worked as a manager in the deli department at Stop and Shop before retiring in 2005. She was a member of Marions Angels Widows Club. Cookie was a wonderful grandmother and there was nothing that she loved more than spending time with her family, friends and especially her grandchildren. She loved playing scrabble with friends on Saturday nights, doing crossword puzzles, reading and spending time with her pets. She is survived by her children, Robert W. Cruz of Newport, RI, Karen M. Livingston and her husband Paul of South Kingstown, RI, Dawn E. Cochran and her husband Tony of Newport, RI , Ann P. Curtis of Eagle, CO and John A Cruz, Jr. and his wife Lilia of Middletown, RI her grandchildren, Sarah Curtis-Coleman, Jacob Curtis, Michaela Curtis, Christina Pereira, Bradley Cruz, Kevin Cruz, Cody Cruz, Brooke Livingston, Julia Livingston, Kami Cruz, Kailee Cochran, her great grandchild, Sarah Marie Pereira, her caregiver Deborah Debbie Mactal, and her brother Clayton Baker of Valley Springs, CA. Viewing will be held on Monday, January 2, 2012 from 3:00 to 5:00 with a service immediately following. At the request of the family, her burial will be private. Donations in her memory may be made to the Robert Potter League for Animals, PO Box 412 Newport, RI 02840.And as Cookie would say ... Dont Worry, Be Happy.