Michael O. Cortez, 48, of O Fallon, Ill., born Friday, Oct. 18, 1963, in Kerrville, Texas, died Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville, Ill.

Michael and I fell in love back in High School and then we both moved away from IL. It took 28 yrs for us to be reunited. Michael moved back to IL about 2 yrs ago and he finally found me on facebook. I left a good paying job to move to IL to be with my long lost true love. I have been here for 6 months and I have not been able to find a job with the economy being the way it is so he was supporting me with his income from his disability benefits. He didn't get much but always made sure I came first in his life. He didn't realize that when something happened to him that I would not get his benefits because I am not entitled to them until age 60. I am only 46 yrs. I was blessed to be with Michael for 6 months and married to my one and only true love for 2 months and 1 week before he passed away. I have no money to pay for his funeral expenses or money to even support myself and that is the one thing he worried most about, he wanted me to be taken care of.

I hear about miracles happening all the time and I truely wish that this one will become true for me. I know there are still good people out there in this world and willing to help those that are in true need of help. If god intends for me to sell everything I own and live on the streets then I will accept my faith. Making sure Michael's funeral expenses are paid for is my priority in life. He was the greatest man and husband that I have ever known. He was sweet, kind hearted, loving and put everyone else before himself and I believe he deserves this.

Funeral: Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, 2011, at the funeral home with the Rev. Kenneth York officiating. Interment followed at Green Mount Protestant Cemetery in Belleville, Ill.

KURRUS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill.
Published in Belleville News-Democrat on December 10, 2011

Memorials may be given to the Cortez family. Thanks for helping my family with Michael's funeral expenses. We have a long way to go and when you're grieving it makes this even harder. If you are still wanting to donate to us, please send checks to Kurrus Funeral Home 1773 Frank Scott Parkway West Belleville, IL 62223 (Payable to The Cortez Family) 618-235-2100. Once again thanks for helping and coming together. Kinda like "It's a Wonderful Life".

Any help no matter what the amount is will help. We have 45 days to pay for these funeral expenses. God bless you all!