Lydia Gallegos Cantu

Lydia Gallegos Cantu, age 91, of Alice, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025. Born on December 7, 1933, to David and Sofia Garcia Gallegos, Lydia lived a full and vibrant life defined by love, resilience, and deep devotion to her family and faith.

Lydia was a dedicated and compassionate caregiver, working for many years as a nurse’s aide at Osteopathic Hospital and Memorial Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. Her gentle nature and commitment to others left a lasting impression on those she cared for and worked alongside.

A woman of strong Catholic faith, Lydia was an active member of the Guadalupanas at Holy Family Catholic Church. She found great joy in the traditions and fellowship of her church community.

Lydia’s life was rich with family. She was first married to Jesus Perez, with whom she had two sons, Arturo Perez and Joseph "Joey" Perez. Later, she shared her longest and most cherished marriage with Hugo Eleazar Canales, with whom she raised two children, Victor Hugo Canales and Yadira Grace Rosales. Lydia also shared companionship with Carlos Rodriguez and Manuel Cantu.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sons, Arturo and Joey; her parents, David and Sofia; her brothers Robert, Oscar, and Solomon Gallegos; her sisters Sofia Garza and Zoila Garza; and her husbands, Jesus Perez, Hugo Canales, Carlos Rodriguez, and Manuel Cantu.

Lydia's warmth extended to her many nieces, nephews, and their families. She adored her siblings deeply and held close the joyful memories of family holiday gatherings at her parents’ home—times filled with music, laughter, dancing, and love.

Left to cherish the memory of Lydia are her children; Victor Hugo Canales (Gracie), Yanira Rosales, grandchildren; Victor Hugo Canales II, Jennifer K. Phillips, Elizabeth Marie Echavarria (Christine), James Gabriel Rosales, siblings; Luis Gallegos, Alberto Gallegos, David Gallegos who sadly passed two days after Lydia and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Lydia was known for her spirited personality and many pastimes. She loved playing Lotería, cheering for her favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys, and crafting, especially during Halloween and Christmas—her favorite holidays. Her cooking was legendary among family and friends; she was especially proud of her turkey over toast, menudo, and the tamales she made each year with her loved ones.

An avid fan of television, Lydia enjoyed shows like The Golden Girls, Agatha Raisin, Doc Martin, Midsomer Murders, The Nanny, and countless novelas. Her favorite actor was Mario Amaro.

Lydia will be remembered for her generous heart, her joyous spirit, and her enduring love for family. Her happiest moments were spent dancing, socializing, and bringing people together.

The family extends special thanks to Angel Bright Hospice for their care and compassion.

Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A viewing and visitation for Lydia will be held Friday, October 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A holy rosary and funeral service will occur Friday, October 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM, at Memory Gardens Funeral Home. An entombment will occur Friday, October 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM, at Memory Gardens Mausoleum.