Herminia Cantu

Herminia Cantú, born September 26, 1932, in Mercedes, Texas, peacefully passed away at her home on October 4, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones. She lived a life marked by resilience, love, and a deep sense of family that touched the hearts of many.

Herminia learned responsibility at an early age. She was one of the eldest of eight children and was bestowed the role of caring for her younger siblings due to her mother’s illness. So, at eight years old, Herminia had to make sure the younger siblings made it on and off the bus. When she got home, Herminia had to wash the family's clothes by hand. From then on, Herminia was a hard worker and took charge of almost everything.

Herminia married Jose F. Cantú in 1952. They were a great team and blessed with sixty-two years of marriage and four children. She dedicated many of her early years as a migrant worker, reflecting the spirit of hard work and commitment. Herminia was driven and worked hard alongside Jose. Eventually, they saved enough money to become successful entrepreneurs. Herminia and Jose built Cantu Quick Stop in 1977. Herminia's natural "take charge" and "leadership" personality and Jose's work ethic were a recipe for success. Herminia was dedicated to her children and supported her husband's business decisions. She was a driving force of their family business. When Jose retired, his son Martin took his place, but Herminia didn't give up her position. Ultimately, Herminia decided to close the family business in 2021, but she kept the property in the family, and they rented it out to another family business. 

Besides running the business, Herminia opened her home for family who all gathered for a fresh cup of coffee and great conversations. Along with a great cup of coffee, She was also a great cook. Some of her family's favorites were making homemade tamales, tortillas, chorizo and egg, carne guisada, frijoles, nopales, arroz con pollo, and capirotada. Herminia was the pillar that kept us together. 

Herminia loved plants and spending time outdoors. She learned how to sew and it became part of who she was. She would sew clothes for her children and grandchildren. From rompers, dress’s, shorts and blazers. Herminia was a fashion enthusiast.

Herminia had a playful spirit that extended to her love for games. She cherished playing "lotería" (Mexican Bingo) and trying her luck with scratch-off lottery tickets, which earned her home the affectionate title of "Cantú Casino". Herminia also enjoyed crossword puzzles, puzzles, watching western movies and visiting family in New Mexico. When her children and grandchildren called, her first words were always "Hello, my dear." Herminia had many favorite sayings, like, "Are you happy?", "Did you come here to talk or play?" and “Stop crying you're not a baby” A gifted storyteller, she had a unique ability to captivate others with vibrant tales woven with life lessons and laughter. The joy she brought to gatherings and the warmth of her hospitality created lasting memories for all.

Among her proudest accomplishments were her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren who were the center of her universe. Herminia's love for them was evident in everything she did. Her legacy will continue through the values she instilled. 

 One of the most important relationships in Herminia's life was with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She often sang Spanish Christian hymns and her favorite bible verse was “Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13 

Herminia is preceded in death by her loving husband, Jose F. Cantú; her parents, Enemencio and Irene (Padilla) Molina; their daughter, Belinda Villarreal; her siblings Alfredo, Guadalupe, Gilberto, and Luciano Molina. 

She is survived by her children, Jose Adrian Cantú (Saraí), Isela Cuellar (Carlos), and Martin Cantú (Thelma); son-in-law, Homer Villarreal; siblings Eleazar Molina, Maria Luisa Hinojosa, and Jose Angel Molina, fourteen grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held on October 8, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at McCaleb Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life at 7 p.m., officiated by Pastor Elias Treviño. Herminia's Celebration of Life will continue the following day, October 9, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at McCaleb Funeral Home. Herminia will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco. Serving as pallbearers will be Martin Joe Cantú, Matthew Cantú, Carlos Cuellar Jr., Isaí Cuellar, Angel Rangel, and Mike Lopez. 

As we celebrate Herminia Cantú's life, let us remember her as a loving presence in our lives, a storyteller, a homemaker, and a friend. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.