Josie Natori mourns passing of mom and FF Cruz family matriarch Angelita 'Nanay' Cruz

Angelita “Nanay” Cruz, mom of fashion designer Jose Natori and the matriarch of the FF Cruz family, has passed away at the age of 101.

In a joint Instagram post, Josie, her husband Ken Natori, and the Natori Company’s official page announced her passing as they prepared to lay her to rest in the Philippines.

“While Josie founded Natori, her strength, determination, and persistence were borne from her mother, who passed peacefully last week at the age of 101," the announcement said.

"Nanay is lost, but will never be forgotten. Her legacy will remain at the heart of our family business,” it continued.

Josie would often post about her mother on Instagram, sharing important occasions like their family celebration of her 101st birthday, and that time in June 2025 when she met Pope Leo and managed to get her mom on a video call for a unique Papal blessing.

"A blessed gift of a lifetime meeting the new Pope Leo XIV," Josie said on Instagram. "The best part was as I was holding my cell phone on a video call with my mother, he spoke to her and greeted her happy birthday (soon to be 101) and blessed her!!"

The Archdiocese of Caceres also paid tribute to Cruz on social media, describing her life as one marked by “quiet yet steadfast commitment” to the Church.

“Her generosity supported the Archdiocese and its various ministries, contributing significantly to the growth and service of our local Catholic community,” the church said. “We give thanks for her faithful stewardship and commend her soul to the mercy of God.”

Born on Oct. 1, 1924, Cruz passed away on April 16.

 

 

 

 

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— Carby Basina/LA, GMA News