Maria Fernandez Cantu

Always filled with love of family: "Dales Besos a Todos," Maria left us in the early afternoon of June 19, 2016. Maria was born in Zuehl, Texas, near Seguin, and lived her entire adult life in San Antonio. She was an amazing cook who could put a full dinner together for unexpected family and guests with the snap of her fingers: arroz con pollo, carne guisada, frijoles, and Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing were some of her many delicacies and specialties. We can still hear the palote as she made tortillas every morning. Maria's radiant smile complemented her beautiful green eyes and brought smiles to others. Her love of music endured her various illnesses as she could accompany a trio or mariachi on any song -- "Que Bonitos Ojos Tienes." Maria endeared herself with her charming voice, clever dichos, and funny chistes.

Maria was an extremely hard worker who kept the family together. She worked in a pecan factory, as a waitress, and as a custodian. She learned English on her own, read the newspaper, listened to the daily news, and proudly voted. Her word puzzles kept her busy for hours. And how she loved card games! Even at the end she could beat and outlast us.

Maria and her husband Amadeo, who preceded her in death, instilled in their children a love for education. The two of them loved to go fishing.

Maria is survived by her son Amadeo Cantú and his wife Gloria and their children Gabby and Matthew; daughter Raquel Cantú and her son Amadeo Cantú-Trevino; daughter Dolores Suarez and her husband Adolph and their children, Adolph, Michael, and Anesa; daughter Rosario Sanchez and her husband John and their children Andrea, Juan Gabriel and his soon to be wife, Deepa, and Maria Cristina and her husband Pete and son Lucas; and daughter Hilda Cantú Montoy and her husband Jorge, and their children, Maricela and her husband Paul and daughter Lola Grace, Jorge and his wife Kate; and Juan Carlos and his wife Greta and daughters Luciana, Camila, and Daniela Maria, who was born the day after Maria's death. Maria left four surviving sisters, Paula, Teresa, Santa, and Connie, one brother Frank, and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Maria's life will be celebrated on Monday, June 27th with viewing starting at 10:00 a.m. at Porter Loring on McCullough with a service at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel followed by a reception at La Paloma Blanca, Salon La Fuente, 5800 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209. The burial will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Guests are asked to arrive by 2:15 p.m.

Maria embodied the adage that difficulties can bring greatness. She gave us the gift of unconditional selfless love. We will carry memories of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend for the rest of our lives. We applaud and embrace Maria's everlasting love and joy. Forever in our heart.