Pauline was a beautician for 67 years and proudly owned her own business " Pauline's Beauty Shop" with her sister, Raquel Ruiz, for 60 years. She was married for 54 years. She was tenacious, courageous, and fierce. With only a fifth-grade education, she began working at the age of 12 and built a life marked by strength and perseverance. She took great pride in being married to a Marine, and her son also served as a Marine. She often said to “walk proud like a Marine.”
She enjoyed watching her novelas and old westerns. Pauline was a devout Catholic who prayed intently every morning at the altar in her room. Prayer was her first response to everything. She had a deep devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
She adored her four-legged grandfurbabies, Zorra and Lela, who were corgis. She jokingly referred to herself as the Queen of England because she, too, had corgis.
Pauline lived for 96 remarkable years and was a walking history book. She lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Holocaust era, and Franklin D. Roosevelt’s lengthy presidential term. She welcomed everyone with open arms, always offering a helping hand, and provided love, humility, loyalty, and strong family values.
Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, Eduardo P. Casanova Sr., to whom she was married for 54 years; her son, Eduardo P. Casanova Jr.; her sisters, Raquel Ruiz and Esperanza Rodriguez (Henry); her brothers, Joe Ruiz (Sylvia) and Roy Ruiz; and her parents, Felicitas and Alejandro Ruiz.
She is survived by her daughter, Felisa Casanova Fuentes (husband Edward); her son, Pedro Villa (wife Nancy); her daughter-in-law, Aurora Casanova; and her grandchildren: Eduardo P. Casanova III, Sandra Casanova Medina (Marco), Rachel Casanova, Alfred Casanova (Mitzi), Venessa Casanova, Matthew Fuentes, Megan Fuentes, Mason Fuentes, Peter Michael Villa (Kellie), James Villa, Anais Villa Rodriguez (Santiago), and Max Villa. She is also survived by 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A visitation will be held on January 6, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, located at 515 North Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205. A rosary is scheduled at the same venue on January 6, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A graveside service will take place on January 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 350 Sutton Dr, San Antonio, TX 78228. This will be followed by another graveside service at San Fernando Cemetery II, 746 Castroville Rd, San Antonio, TX 78237, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.
Pallbearers include Edward Fuentes, Eduardo P Casanova III (Grandson), Alfred Casanova (grandson), Peter Michael Villa (Grandson), James Villa (grandson), Tony Fischer (nephew), Matthew Fuentes (grandson), and Mason Fuentes (grandson). Honorary pallbearers are Marco Medina, Rogelio Rodriguez, and Roy Rodriguez.
