Maria Cantu

Imelda Cantu, 57, entered the loving embrace of her heavenly father on Monday, April 1, 2013.-She leaves behind many cherished memories that shall forever be held in the hearts and minds of all those whom she made a difference in this life.

Imelda forever had a passion for giving back to a community that she was very proud to be a part of.-She was an educator at Los Obispos Middle School in south Laredo for the past 15 years, having spent her time as a Career Innovations teacher, UIL Coach, Yearbook Staff Member, as well as being the site administrator for her online campus webpage.-Never did a day go by that her heart pursued beyond teaching the essential knowledge and skills that were required of her, but more than that, Imelda formed and shaped her students to be better people in life, teaching them to live beyond the barriers of stereotypes, living to their full potential, that is always possible.-It was her passion and goal that her students be more than just a number; to her, they were and are the future.

As a faithful and devout Catholic, Imelda served arduously at Christ the King Catholic Church under the leadership and guidance of many priests, but most recently, Rev. Jose Luis Balderas, whom together helped established and maintain the liturgical and non liturgical parish life activities at San Carlos Mission on Hwy. 359.-At her main parish of Christ the King, her presence was always known, whether it be running and helping at the church Bingo, forming and shaping young minds in the faith via the Religious Education, leading the middle school youth in their SEARCH retreats and group meetings, training Altar Servers or serving as a Eucharistic Minister during the Sunday and Weekday Masses.-It was that presence and her faith that will be etched in the history books at Christ the King.

She now rests in heaven, having fulfilled her earthly journey and although she is gone physically, her impact on this community will flourish in her students, family and church community as well as all who knew her.

The Cantu family would like to thank her co-workers, students, friends and especially her spiritual family for the countless prayers offered for her during this difficult time.-She would have been very humbled by your acts of kindness.-We especially thank Rev. Jose Luis Balderas and staff for the love you all had for our beloved Imelda, whom loved and looked at her church as her family.-We are forever grateful.

Preceding her in death are her parents: Pedro and Guadalupe Cantu, Sr., and her brother: Pedro Cantu, Jr.

Left behind to continue her legacies are her sister:-Sylvia Garcia; brothers:-Carlos (Yolanda) Cantu, Mauricio (Martha) Cantu, Dr. Dennis (Lisa J.) Cantu; 15 nieces and nephews and 20 great-nieces and great-nephews as well as a countless number of friends and other beloved relatives.
In lieu of flowers and in keeping with her sense of giving, we kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in her memory to the Christ the King Catholic Church in order for her church to continue growing and serving the community.