Herminia “Laya” Chavez Cantu, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away at home peacefully at the age of 88 on March 9, 2021. She is survived by her children; Arnulfo “Ernie” Cantu, Jose Cantu Jr. (Belinda), David Oscar Cantu, Magdalena “Maggie” Cantu McCraw (Emil), Daniel Cantu, Armando Cantu (Sheila), Alberto Mario Cantu, Jaime Cantu (April), Carlos “Charlie” Rene Cantu (Perla), Laya Cantu Garcia (Mario), her brother Gerardo Chavez, 35 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 68 years, Jose Cantu; her parents, Mario and Herminia Chavez; her brothers Alberto (Minerva), Mario (Alicia), Antonio (Rosa), Arturo, Gabriel; sisters Rosa (Francisco), and Ana Maria (Alejandro) and daughter-in-law Sylvia (Daniel’s wife).
Laya was born January 25, 1933 in Laredo, Texas. She graduated from Martin High School in 1951. She married her high school sweetheart Jose Cantu November 9, 1952 and together they raised their 10 children. She considered this her greatest accomplishment. Mom also served as a PTA president, a Cub Scout den leader, a grand juror for Harris County, a state-voting delegate for the Democratic party and a candy-maker for Casa Ole Restaurant.
Laya was the epitome of grace and love. If you were tired, she gave you a bed to sleep in. If you were sad, she would comfort you. She taught her family to be strong, live life with a bit of spice, and to stand up for themselves. She was a friend, counselor, and role model to all.
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” -Proverbs 31:25-28
