Anne-Marie de Cruz, a loyal supporter of the sister city relationship between Port-Vendres, France, and Yorktown, died Wednesday, June 8, from a heart attack. “Annie,” as she was known affectionately, was a resident of Port-Vendres, a mother and a grandmother. She was a 2015 recipient of the Quintilla Prize, which recognizes sustained support of our shared goals with time, talent or treasure. She was a long-time member of Port-Vendres d’bord, the organization responsible for organizing early exchanges between our communities. She made a half-dozen trips to the United States to share in Yorktown Day activities, and hosted Yorktown residents in her home in France. She was an accomplished cook, and it was always a pleasure to dine at her table.
Annie’s death comes just six weeks after that of her dear friend Antoinette Quintilla, founder of Port-Vendres d’bord.
In a eulogy at Annie’s funeral on Friday, June 10, Première adjointe au marie, Georges Grau, recognized her as a “Queen of Actions.” Eloge funèbre de Annie DE CRUZ In addition to her dedication to our sister cities, she was a member of the choir at L’Eglise Notre Dame de Bonne Nouvelle, a volunteer with Catholic Relief Services, and a member of Sidi Ferruche, an organization devoted to those who came to France from Algeria.

Anne-Marie de Cruz (in yellow) upon receiving the Quintilla Prize at the City Hall in Port-Vendres in 2015
Christine Hudson said:
Craig and I are devastated at the news, first of Antoinette’s passing, and now our dear friend, Annie. How well we will always remember and cherish dinners and lunches at Annie’s, along with Antoinette and fellow Sister City visitors. We will always have those wonderful memories of our visits there and theirs to Yorktown!
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