Bertha R. Cantu

Bertha Rodela Cantu, age 97, of Corpus Christi, Texas passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024. She was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on September 14, 1927 to parents Manuel Rodela and Felicitas Rodela. Bertha was married to the love of her life, Hipolito Cantu.

Bertha was a founding member of St, Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church. She was an active member of the St. Peter’s Prayer Group. Bertha had a passion for painting, cooking, sewing, arts and crafts, Bertha loved to travel and visited Our Lady of Lourdes in France with Msgr. Morgan, including a visit to his family home in Ireland. She especially enjoyed family trips to the Frio River and Rome, Italy.

During the last few years of her life, she was humbled and very appreciative of the time and attention given to her by Msgr. McGown and Father Raju during her times of need.

Bertha is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hipolito Cantu; son, Joseph Anthony Cantu, parents, Manuel and Felicitas Rodela; brothers, Jose, Fermin, Basilio, Jesus and Manuel Rodela; and sisters, Antonia Botello, Dolores Gonzales, and Emma Martinez.

Bertha is survived by her children, Jeanette Cantu-Bazar (Leon), John Paul Cantu (Annie) and Hipolito Cantu, Jr. (Brenda); daughter in law, Kelly Cantu; grandchildren, Carissa Callini (Gianluca), Amanda Sandroussi (Christopher), Joseph Cantu (Maggie), Anthony Cantu, Emily Cantu, Danielle Cantu; and great-grandson, Kepler Callini.

The family of Bertha would like to give a special Thank You to Altus Hospice staff, the staff of Villa Northwest, her care attendants’, Sandra Santos (who cared for her for over 15 years), Ashley Gutierrez, Hortencia Reyes, and Yolanda Perez. The family would also like to Thank her prayerful and loving nieces, Diana Schlafer and Diana Fritch, and special friend, Peggy Banales.

Pall Bearers will be John Cantu, J.R. Cantu, Joseph Cantu, Oscar Zepeda, Luca Callini, C. J. Sandroussi, and Kepler Callini.

In lieu of flowers, please consider offering Masses for the Repose of the soul of Bertha Cantu at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church on Violet Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410, (361)241-3249

A visitation for Bertha will be held Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles, 3901 Violet Rd., Corpus Christi, TX 78410 with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, October 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church TX 78410. She will be laid to rest in Memory Gardens Cemetery.