Obituary of Terry Lucchetti Cruz

Terry Lucchetti Cruz, 80, of Hollister, CA, passed away on May 9th, 2025, at home surrounded by family. Terry was born March 28th, 1945 in Hollister, the daughter of John A. Luchetti and Mary E. (Matulich) Lucchetti. Terry graduated from Palma High School in Salinas in 1962, then went on to Lone Mountain (now USF), earning a degree in Psychology. She went on to get her master’s degree at San Jose State in Curriculum. Terry married Ruben Cruz on April 16th, 1966 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hollister. She was married 59 years. Terry spent her entire working life as a teacher, briefly at Sacred Heart school in Hollister and then for most of her career at San Juan Bautista Elementary School. As a member of the California Teachers Association, Terry served as President, Co Treasurer and Hospitality Chair. She was also instrumental in the creation of the teacher grants which are given once a year, and the annual New Retired Teachers’ Wine and Cheese Event, which she hosted on her patio. Many will remember Terry and her love and affection for her family and friends. She stayed in touch, in her later years, via phone to “visit” with them. She was passionate about travel and exploring the world. One of her favorite places was Brac, an island off the coast of Croatia, spending a week exploring the region. This place was especially important to her as her grandmother lived there before immigrating to America. Remaining to cherish Terry’s memory are her husband, Ruben; her children, Stacey Rodriguez and Michael Cruz; her grandchildren, Marc Rodriguez and Brian Rodriguez; and her nieces and nephews, Linda Marquez Perez, Marie Marquez Munoz, Robert Cruz, Larry Cruz, Valary Cruz, Jenna Cruz, and Jonelle Cruz. Preceding Terry in death are her parents John A. Lucchetti and Mary E. Lucchetti; and her sister Marilyn Lucchetti