Mallory Lee-Cruza

Mallory Lee-Cruza, age 37, of Hilliard, OH, passed away on Thursday, August 8th, 2024, leaving behind 30+ pairs of pink shoes, six half-eaten Arby's Mozzarella Sticks, and numerous other items presumably missing from the movie sets of Legally Blonde and Pretty in Pink. Born on September 4th, 1986, at St. Ann’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, she was the daughter of Jackie A. Schirtzinger and Philip W. Lee. In addition to her parents, Mallory is survived by her daughter, Delaney (Laney, the light of her life); her sister, Erin (E, her favorite); and brother, Adam (Bubby, whose favoritism plummeted the day he chased her with a dead opossum when they were children). She is preceded in death by grandparents Patricia and Jack Schirtzinger; Marilyn Dodd (aka Grandma Moose) and Franklin Lee; an Aunt, Theresa Schirtzinger; a gallbladder and two tonsils. Mallory attended Hilliard Darby High School, later graduating online when faculty deemed her beauty too distracting for in-person classes. In an attempt at normalcy and to escape her ever-growing fan base, she and her daughter moved to Mississippi for a short-time and then to Plymouth, MA, where they lived surrounded by like-minded individuals (whom she lovingly referred to as Massholes). Much like her favorite color, Mallory was known for her bright, bubbly personality – she knew no strangers and made even the shiest wallflower feel encouraged and welcomed. Mallory was happiest when coaching gymnastics, drinking an iced thin-mint coffee from Marylou's, or being mistaken for Delaney's older sister. She died knowing 90s country music was superior, The Princess Bride was the best movie ever made, and there was no place better than the beach (Any beach would do, but West Coast slander is welcome and encouraged). Mallory’s immediate family would like to thank all of their friends and family; as well as Mallory’s friends, co-workers, and the many gymnasts, who have reached out with support, meals, kind words, condolences, memories, pictures, and videos - you have all made it possible for us to celebrate Mallory’s life in a positive way. Tremendous and heartfelt thanks are also extended to the exceptional nurses, doctors and staff at Kettering Medical Center and The James Cancer Center. A special thank-you goes to Nurse Shannon, who provided empowering and compassionate care to Mallory throughout her treatment; gave her family the emotional support they needed at critical times; and took the time to truly become Mallory’s friend. A Celebration of Life viewing will be held from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm on Sunday, August 18th, at Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell, 450 W. Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065 and a Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated the following day (Monday, August 19th) at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 313 N. State St, Westerville, OH 43082, beginning at 10:30 am. Everyone is welcome to attend either or both events In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to funeral expenses and Delaney's continued education by logging onto : Donate to Help Jackie and Mallory Cherish Time Together, organized by Colleen Trzcinski https://gofund.me/a55e9fda

Mallory Lee-Cruza

September 4, 1986 - August 8, 2024