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