After a short battle with cervical cancer, Esther Dominguez Cantu passed away on September 1, 2022 at home, surrounded by family, in Fort Wayne, Indiana at the age of 85. Esther is survived by two of her children, Jose Luis (Raquel Delgadillo) Cortez, Jr and Joel (Arlette Velez) Cantu; her sister, Sarah (Juan) Saenz; her brothers, Esteban (Carmelita De Jesus) Dominguez and Ruben (Teresa Falcon) Dominguez; numerous grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Manual Perez Cantu; her infant daughters Josephine Louise Cortez and Florence Lorraine Cantu; her son, Edward Cantu; her parents, Marcos and Isabel Dominguez; and her sister, Rebecca Dominguez Villarreal.
Esther was born on December 4, 1936 in Corpus Christi, Texas, to father Marcos Ocon Dominguez and mother Isabel Charo Dominguez, who predeceased her. She grew up in a loving family with two sisters and two brothers. In her youth, she worked with the family as a migrant worker traveling to many states including Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio and California. Esther attended Roy Miller High School in Corpus Christi, Texas and excelled at choir and typing. As a result, she participated in many academic competitions. Esther went on to study accounting at Del Mar College. Her first job was at Shoppers World and she ended up working at many retail establishments throughout her life. Her hobbies included singing, yodeling and playing guitar. At home, Esther was talented at cooking, sewing and knitting. Esther enjoyed television and preferred watching classic comedies, romantic comedies and documentaries. In her later years, Esther enjoyed being surrounded by nature and always found solace in it.
Esther was a devout Christian her entire life. In spite of life’s trials and tribulations, she always held fast to her faith. Throughout her life and even up to her last moment, she reached out to God for strength and comfort. Her favorite verse was Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Esther had five children: Jose, Jr and Josephine from her husband, Jose Luis Cortez, Sr., and Joel, Florence, and Edward from her husband, Manuel Perez Cantu.
Visitation and Chapel Service will be held at Funeraria del Angel - Memorial Holly. The Graveside Service will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery. The family would like to especially thank Nieves Garcia for her love and guidance, Beverly Lothamer and staff with Visiting Angels, Nan Wallin and Nichole Reichenbacher and staff with Stillwater Hospice and everyone else who diligently helped us administer care for Esther. The family would like to encourage screening for Alzheimer’s disease yearly; and emphasize the importance of immunization with the HPV Vaccine to prevent Cervical Cancer. Please visit cdc.gov, alz.org and nccc-online.org for more information on Alzheimer’s Disease and Cervical Cancer.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelMHolly.com for the Cantu family.
