Ildefonsa Cantu

Ildefonsa "Concha" Cantu, 95, entered into eternal rest Monday, November 12, 2012.

Ildefonsa was a lifelong resident of Laredo.-She along with her family operated La Esmeralda Dairy, then after her brother Rafael returned from WWII they started and operated the San Andres Dairy until the late 1970's.-Ildefonsa remained a self-employed business woman until her retirement in 2002, all along making "queso fresco" for her well known enchiladas.-She believed cooking from scratch and without measuring was the only way; her mole unique to her, her flour tortillas like no one else's will be missed.-Her strong faith and belief that "God will provide" was the basis for her active participation as a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and a member of The Catholic Daughters of America.-But the love, the goal and the purpose of Conchita's adult life was raising her nieces and nephews after the early death of her sister Eva to cancer.-Tia as many in the city came to know her gave of herself tirelessly and faithfully to her family; as a commitment and a promise not just to her sister but to her Lord Jesus, this was her true legacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benito and Evarista Gonzalez Cantu, her brothers, Benito Cantu Jr., Rafael J. Cantu, and her sister, Evarista Cantu Ortiz.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Dr. Carlos B. (Holly Brooks) Ortiz III. of Beaumont, Dr. Rosa M. Ortiz of Portland, Rafael J. (Sara) Ortiz of Laredo, Jose Daniel (Grace) Ortiz of Laredo, Federico (Rosemary) Ortiz of San Antonio, Maria L. (Lauro) Ortiz Gutierrez of Zapata.-She is also survived by her "Angelitos" grand-nephews and nieces and great-grand nephews and niece.

The family would like to thank her caregivers and companions; Manuela Sanchez Morales, Veronica Estrada Marufo, and Irma Vasquez.

The family would like to express their utmost gratitude to Dr. Oscar V. Gutierrez and staff for their care, understanding, and compassion.-We would also like to thank House Calls Home Health, Nurse Alma Randez for all their years of care and concern when we could not be there and finally, to Laredo Hospice for making her comfortable.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sacred Heart Children's Home, 3310 South Zapata Highway-Laredo, TX 78046, (956) 723-3343.