Jesusa Cantu Mendez was born on September 20, 1934, raised in Robstown, TX to Cornelio Cantu SR and Virginia Olvera Cantu, she was one of nine girls and four boys. At a young age Jesusa ran the family bakery La Victoria along with her siblings that was established by their father. The bakery was where she met the love of her life Armando Mendez who recently returned from serving his country. The two were united in marriage on February 20, 1964. Both traveled the United States while working in the Pipeline Industry. On 12/27/1965, Jesusa, not knowing she was carrying twins, gave birth to a daughter Mary Glenda and a son Joseph Glenn in Liberty, Texas. She often spoke the names Glenda and Glenn were chosen as both the nurse and doctor were named Glenda and Glenn, what a coincidence.
Jesusa lived a full and happy life among her brothers and sisters. During family gatherings held in Robstown, TX or Dallas, TX, you could hear the laughter and love surrounding them. It was never a dull moment with this crew. Jesusa was an amazing cook, the flavors were amazing, she was best known delicious tamales by customers she acquired through the years.
Jesusa was a stay-at-home housewife raising her children and attending to her husband. Jesusa then cared for her in-laws as well as her parents along with her siblings. During the late 80’s and early 90’s her husband turned ill, she cared for him until he was called upon to enter the pearly gates of heaven and remained faithful to him for 33 years. After her husband’s death, Jesusa devoted most of her time involved in her church, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Mission while living in Robstown, TX., whether signing in the choir or being a lector. Jesusa was involved in church organizations such as Alter Society, Las Guadalupanas, Prayer Group, Rosary Group, and member of the Columbian Ladies CO 3110 in Robstown, TX.
Upon moving to Dallas, TX, Jesusa continue to devote her life to her church Immaculate Conception where she was a member while living in Grand Prairie, TX. She continued to be involved in church organizations. She would even go protest at abortion clinics. She was so strong in her faith.
Jesusa never drove a day in her life. Yet she was never home alongside with her sisters-in-law Lisa Hinojosa Cantu, who lived in the same apartment complex, both would walk to the neighborhood donut shop, enjoying each other’s company while drinking their coffee and eating their donuts or being invited to go have lunch and doing some shopping. Lisa Hinojosa Cantu was Jesusa’s sidekick. Tia Lisa, thank you for being there for mom, we love you dearly.
Jesusa is preceded in death by her parents Cornelio Cantu SR and Virginia Olvera Cantu, her husband Armando Mendez, her brothers Cornelio Cantu Jr (Robstown, TX) and Cesario Cantu SR (Dallas, TX). Her sister Antonio Guzman, Elida Cabello of Dallas, TX, Maria Luisa Bazan, Gregoria Hernandez, Virginia Hernandez, Eliza Gallegos all of Robstown, TX., and several nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her son Joseph Glenn Mendez and daughter Mary Glenda Rodriguez, her grandchildren Roger Rodriguez wife Crissy Rodriguez, Stacy Rodriguez husband Ray Gutierrez, and Ryan Rodriguez his companion Cathrine Miranda, her great grandchildren Brayden Rodriguez, Raelyn Gutierrez, Autumn Gutierrez, Ethan Gutierrez, Sebastian Rodriguez, Marrisa Rodriguez, and Aiden Lopez. Her brothers Reynaldo Cantu SR of San Antonio, TX and Porfirio Cantu of Dallas, TX, her sisters Yolanda Diaz of Dallas, TX., and Esperanza Alvarado of Robstown, TX., sisters-in-law that she deeply cared for Lisa Hinojosa Cantu and Jacinta Cantu both of Dallas, TX., Santos Cantu of Robstown, TX., and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be terribly missed. Jesusa is now reunited with her husband, parents, and siblings celebrating life in the kingdom of our Heavenly Father.
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