Rowena Dela Cruz (Garay)

Dr. Rowena Garay Dela Cruz passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023. She was 78 years old. Rowena was born June 9, 1944 in the Province of Quezon, Philippines, to Ceferino and Geneveva Garay. She had 1 brother and 3 sisters.

She studied in the Philippines to become a doctor. During medical school, Rowena met Alberto (“Bert”) Dela Cruz, where they became sweethearts and eventually married. The couple immigrated from the Philippines to New York, United States in search of a better future and to start their family. Once in the U.S., Rowena and Bert had four children.

The family moved to Winnsboro, Texas, in the 1980's, where Rowena and Bert opened up their medical practice. Their practice, as well as their family, grew and thrived. She retired after nearly 40 years of service to Winnsboro as a pediatrician. She remains beloved by many of her patients (now grown) and their families.

In her years of practice, Rowena was a member of the North Texas Association of Philippine Physicians. She was also instrumental in helping Bert found the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, which remains open today.

She is survived by her loving children and grandchildren: sons, Jesse Dela Cruz of Dallas, Albert Dela Cruz and wife Kris of the Philippines and Robert Dela Cruz and wife Irene Lee of California; daughter, Sheila Dela Cruz and husband, A.J. Lagoe of Minnesota; and two grandchildren, Olivia Dela Cruz and Gabriel Lagoe.

A memorial mass for Rowena will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Beaty Funeral Home (816 W. Broadway Winnsboro, TX 75494). Father Mani Mathai will be conducting the mass.

To view the Memorial Service online please use the link below.

https://www.viewlogies.net/beaty-funeral-home/I-8ryxSaA?pin=120692