Obituary of Rina Renee De La Cruz Cortes

Rina Rene De La Cruz Cortes 1952 ~ 2015 Rina, known to her friends as Mona, passed away May 12, 2015 at 63 years of age. Rina was born in San Bernardo, Chile on February 16, 1952, to Juan and Rina Torres. She met the love of her life, Victor, at age 15 and they married July 2, 1970. Rina and Victor were blessed with three sons, Juan, Victor Jr., and Mike. In 1976, they immigrated to Canada, living in Winnipeg. It took Rina awhile to adjust to a new language and culture, and the long, cold winters. In 1981, they moved to Calgary and spent 5 years there before moving to Dawson Creek. Rina worked at the Dawson Creek Hospital where she took a leadership role and pride in all she did. She enjoyed her work and often talked of fond memories up until her final days. Rina was a strong person, truthful and steadfast in what she believed. She had great compassion for people she worked. Rina had a great sense of humor with sassy remarks, one liners and jokes to make you smile or burst out laughing. She was classy, dignified, graceful, and beautiful with a caring heart. Rina loved 50's and 60's music, especially the Beatles and Elvis. She loved dancing! She loved fashion and looking good wherever she was, but most of all, her shoes!!! She loved Spanish soap operas and crime shows. Rina's battle with cancer was fought with courage, strength, grace, and determination. In life's challenges, she always showed these qualities with conviction and a fierceness seldom seen. Rina taught these qualities to her sons. She always stressed the importance of family and that whatever happens in life, family will be there to support, encourage, and love each other. Rina was a wife, a caring, supportive mother, a friend, and teacher. She will be in our hearts always and we say with pride not farewell, but we can't wait to see you again where we can laugh, love, and be happy forever. We love you. A funeral mass was held May 18, 2015 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, officiated by Father Louis Kwena. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Rina may be made by donation to the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation Cancer Unit, 11100-13 Street, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 3W8. Service 10:00 am Monday, May 18, 2015 Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church 908 - 104th Avenue DAWSON CREEK, British Columbia, Canada V1G 3H7