Adelina Garza Cantu

Adelina G. Cantu, 95, passed away peacefully and comfortably in her sleep at her home in Encino, Texas, on the morning of November 1, 2026, surrounded by loving family members. She was born on January 31, 1931, to Rafael Garza and Merced Gonzales Garza on Lucero Ranch in Brooks County, Texas.

A devoted Catholic, loving wife, and mother of seven sons, Adelina built her life around faith and family. Her greatest love was her husband, Nazario Cantu Jr., and the family they raised together. Through every season of their lives, her prayers surrounded those she loved. To her family, she was their greatest prayer warrior, a source of comfort and strength whose absence will be felt every day.

Her kitchen was the center of the family’s world. The smell of fresh tortillas and something cooking would welcome you long before you stepped through the door. Inside, her laughter and the simple joy of being together made everyone feel at home. Her family will forever miss her cooking, her laughter, and the love that filled that kitchen.

Adelina was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Nazario Cantu Jr., who passed away on April 21, 1993; her son, Roel G. Cantu; her parents; all her siblings; and many more beloved family members. She was the last surviving member of her generation in her immediate family and lived a full and beautiful life that is worth celebrating.

Her legacy continues through her six sons, Nazario (Shirley) Cantu III, Jose Alamar “Roy” (Rosa) Cantu, Eduardo G. (Alicia) Cantu, Usbaldo G. (Imelda) Cantu, Juan (Lupita) Cantu, and Jose David (Linda) Cantu;14 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving Adelina are many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Adelina will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family will carry her memories in their hearts, gather around the stories she leaves behind, and remember the prayers she offered so faithfully on their behalf.

Her kitchen gave them a place to gather. Her love gave them a place to belong.

Pallbearers will be Bud, Dylan, Trey, Donnie, Gumer, Mike and Sean.

A Celebration of Life - Rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with Visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Falfurrias Burial Park.

Adelina was a big advocate for education. To honor their mother, Adelina's sons are requesting that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Go Fund Me fundraiser they have created for the Ed Rachal Memorial Library in Falfurrias to primarily provide bilingual children’s books, support monthly readings, and give children free books to keep. You can make donations at https://gofund.me/35c5e5169

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She Ran Barefoot to School.

Today, Her Legacy Can Help Another Child Learn to Read.

The Adelina G. Cantu Memorial Literacy Fund

One Book. One Child. One Changed Life.

In rural Brooks County, Texas, a little girl named Adelina dreamed of going to school. Her family called her Lina.

One of six children raised in a modest two-room home, she learned early that everyone had to contribute. Her father patrolled southern Brooks County on horseback as a county deputy, while her mother cared for the family and their small farm. Money was scarce, the children worked in the fields, and school often came second to necessity.

But Lina loved learning.

She fondly remembered running barefoot down a dusty road toward a one-room schoolhouse, her older siblings racing ahead. By the time her little legs carried her inside, the few desks were often taken.

So she sat on the floor.

And she was happy—happy to listen, happy to learn.

Though she never received the consistent education she wanted, Lina’s love of learning stayed with her. She bought and enjoyed books of her own and championed education throughout her life.

As her sons, we want to carry that love forward in the community she called home.

As we prepare to celebrate our mother’s life on November 13, 2026, flowers are welcome and appreciated. For those who would prefer another way to honor her memory, please consider a donation to the Adelina G. Cantu Memorial Literacy Fund.

After speaking with the Library Supervisor at the Ed Rachal Memorial Library in Falfurrias, we learned that the library needs new books and struggles to acquire reading materials.

Our primary focus is bilingual English-Spanish children’s books, helping families share stories in both languages. Donations will also help refresh the library’s adult and children’s collections and support monthly children’s readings with free books to take home and keep.

We hope a story discovered at the library will continue at home—with a parent, grandparent, brother, or sister reading together.

Every contribution is appreciated. If you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser is another meaningful way to help.

To donate or share:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/bilingual-books-for-children-d3ngx

Perhaps a grandmother will find a story to share in Spanish. Perhaps a child will bring home their first book to keep. These are the moments we hope to make possible in Lina’s memory.

We cannot change the hardships our mother experienced, but together, we can help make another child’s path a little easier.

Thank you for remembering our mother, loving our family, and helping share something she valued so deeply.

One Book. One Child. One Changed Life.

With love and gratitude,

The Sons and Family of Adelina G. Cantu