Maria Elena Cruz Harmon, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and family.

Maria was born in Arizona to her loving parents, Elena Galindo Cruz and Encarnación T. Cruz. She later moved to the West Coast of California, where she spent many years raising her children alongside her husband, John Thomas Harmon. In the 1970s, they moved to Upper Michigan, beginning a new chapter of life in the north.

During the 1980s, Maria and her family relocated to Sanford, North Carolina, where they planted deep roots. Sanford became home not only to Maria, but to generations of her family, where her children married, raised their own families, and continue to live in the surrounding community.

Maria was the beloved widow of John T. Harmon of Marquette, Michigan. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and perseverance.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She loved cooking for her family, tending to her garden, and spending quiet time birdwatching. Her favorite bird, the red cardinal, always brought her peace, and her favorite color, sky blue, reflected her calm and gentle spirit.

Maria leaves behind a lasting legacy through her family, many of whom have contributed to shaping and improving the Sanford, North Carolina community and surrounding areas through their work in construction and homebuilding.

She is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren:

Her son, Stephen P. Harmon, and his fiancé, Roseann Spencer; and his children, Joseph T. Harmon, Tara N. Harmon, and Liara Harmon, whom he shares with his former wife, Lori A. Kernats.

Her son, Arthur V. Harmon, and his wife, Charlotte Harmon; and their children, Arthur Harmon Jr. and his wife, Hanna, Corey Harmon and his wife, Chelsea, Greyson Harmon, and Delaney Harmon.

Her daughter, Bernice A. Rhodes, and her husband, Raymond C. Rhodes Jr.; and their children, Charles McFalls and his wife, Kimberly, and Cameron Rhodes and his fiancé, Parker Phillips.

She is further survived by her sister, Vera Galindo Cruz Pardo. She was preceded in death by her sister, Juanita Galindo Cruz Sandoval and stepsister Susie Cruz.

Maria’s love, wisdom, and quiet strength will live on through every generation of her family. She was the foundation that held many together, and her presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Her life was a blessing. Her memory, a treasure. She is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

A service will take place on 5/23/2026 at:

Crossroads Ministries

107 Milton Ave.

Broadway, NC 27505

919-258-3774

Visitation will begin at 10:30 and end at 11:30. The service will take place immediately after visitation.