She was born on January 6, 1941 to Cayetano and Ruperta Sandoval in Los Guerra’s, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Early in her life her parents moved the family to the U.S. Minnie grew up surrounded by 4 brothers and 5 sisters. She attended public school halting her education at South Park Middle School at the age of 14 to help her family pick cotton full time. She often told the story when she was younger that she worked extra hard picking cotton so she could buy her first doll.
In her young adult life she worked as a child caretaker until she married the love of her life of 59 years, Raymond Cervantes in 1960.
A loving, devoted homemaker, Minnie enjoyed preparing meals for her family, most especially over the holidays when she made her famous “Pan de Polvo” cookies and tamales. Christmas was her favorite holiday making it a tradition to celebrate on Christmas Eve. Their home was always open and welcoming to everyone so much that it coined the nickname, “Grand Central Station” because Tia Minnie and Tio Raymond’s house was one constant fixture everyone knew they could go to.
Minnie loved to spend time laughing and joking around with her sisters and sister’s in law. When one learned a new hobby all of them wanted to learn. They would get together and teach each other from cooking, knitting, quilting, cross stitch, sewing, ceramics, painting and floral designing; they did it all.
Minnie was devoted to her children. She lived to make them happy, always being a true protector. Becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother brought her tremendous joy. She adored all of them; always participating in their life activities and accomplishments.
Minnie was a devout Catholic, a woman of faith, raising her children to believe in God and our Lord Jesus Christ. She wore her Armour of God proudly with true dedication and was known to give advice and comfort to those who needed it, especially her family, often giving a blessing with the sign of the cross and always with a God Bless You. Reading the Bible and praying the rosary every morning made her heart rejoice with love and gratitude for life.
She will always be remembered for her gusto for life. She was funny, silly, loving, dedicated and always willing to get up and go; especially when it came to playing the “maquinetas” at Coushatta and Winstar; almost always outplaying all of us by pulling an all-nighter. Every time she would win, no matter the amount, and if you were sitting next to her, she would hit your arm to get your attention and “Mira, Mira” (to look) how much she won and giving you that huge beautiful smile she had. Playing loteria, bingo, watching novelas, Hallmark movies, The Price is Right, Family Feud, and the Golden Girls were also her favorite past times. She loved to dance and listen to mariachi music of her favorite artist, Vicente Fernandez. Minnie had a beautiful personality and was loved by everyone.
Minerva is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Raymond E. Cervantes; her parents, Cayetano and Ruperta Sandoval; her only son, Rolando Cervantes; her brothers, Raul and Isreal Sandoval; her sisters, Elva Sandoval Garcia, Diola Sandoval Garcia, Josie Sandoval Salgado and Beatrice Sandoval Dominguez; and great-grandson, Luis Semaj White, III.
Minerva is survived by her daughters: Laurie Gonzales (Cesar) from San Antonio, TX and Patricia Cervantes from Corpus Christi, TX; ten grandchildren: Andrea Benavidez, Roland and Aubry Cervantes, Angel Palacios, Leo Trevino, Jr. (Janie), Zachary L. Trevino (Marissa), Timothy Trevino (Tiana), Janelle N. Bazaldua, Jenna E. Bazaldua (Kevin) and Jaclynn Bazaldua; eleven great-grandchildren: Nicolas D’aiden Benavidez, Joel, Marcos and Kristy Hernandez, Salysia E. and Zailee E. Trevino, Treyson K. Trevino, Makayla M. Nunez, Serenity R. Bazaldua, Kyle M. and Kaliah G. Ferezan. Three siblings: Raphael Sandoval (Anna), Maria Trevino from Corpus Christi and Heliberto Sandoval (Teresa) from Sinton, TX.
Pallbearers will be: Leonardo Trevino, Jr., Zachary Lee Trevino, Timothy Bradley Trevino, Rolando Cervantes, Joel Hernandez and Marcos Hernandez.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Angel Palacios, Treyson Karter Trevino and Kyle Michael Ferezan.
A visitation will be held Friday, September 20, 2019 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm at Memory Gardens Chapel with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 am on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Holy Family Catholic Church with Interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Condolences may be offered to the family at
www.memorygardensfuneralhome.com
