Isabel B. Canchola

Isabel Canchola, known lovingly as “Chavela,” passed away on June 15, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas at the age of 89. Born on October 18, 1936, in Charlotte, Texas, Isabel lived a life defined by grace, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to her family, her faith, and her community.

Isabel’s remarkable work ethic revealed itself early. At just thirteen years old, she designed, constructed and modeled a fully-lined two piece woman’s suit in a 4-H Club competition, earning a first place award. That early triumph ignited a lifelong passion for sewing that would shape both her personal life and distinguished career. In 1956, she joined Scrivener’s Inc. as a custom seamstress, and over the course of forty-four years she advanced through retail sales and buying to become Department Head of Party, Gifts, and Stationary, retiring in 2000. Her impeccable taste in fabrics and meticulous attention to detail were evident in every garment she created for her own wardrobe as well as for her daughter, her family members and clients for all occasions.

Isabel was caring, giving, loyal, hardworking and endlessly creative. Everything she did, whether hosting a gathering or organizing an event, was carried out with class, style and a spirit of joy. She enjoyed cooking, baking, crafting, walking, and playing softball and volleyball during her youth. Socially, she was the heart of every occasion, organizing family reunions, house parties, and game nights that brought people together and created lasting memories.

Her dedication to St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church was steadfast and spanned more than six decades. A member since 1959, Isabel served as former president of “Las Guadalupanas” and the Altar Society, as well as chairman of the church festival. She volunteered tirelessly, organizing church fundraisers including Woman’s High Tea and Fashion Shows, Mother’s Day Mother and Daughter luncheons, and community wedding and funeral receptions. Her deep faith guided every aspect of her life and inspired all who knew her.

Isabel is survived by her beloved husband of seventy-four years, Ray E. Canchola; her daughter, Christine C. Bojorquez; and her son, Anthony R. Canchola. She is preceded in death by her son, Mychal R. Canchola. She had six grand-children (Jaime, Dominic, Alexis, Enzo, Gaetano and Noah); and three great-grandchildren ( Donaji, Ollin and Etzel).

Visitation will be held Monday, June 29, with a family private viewing at 5:00 p.m., public viewing at 6 p.m., and Rosary from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy., San Antonio, TX 78218. A funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 30, 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 102 Lorenz Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Rd., San Antonio, TX 78266.