Cordelia T. Cantu

Cordelia T. Cantu The legacy of an inspirational educator lives on. Cordy, educator, dedicated and loving wife and mother, grandmother, sister, loyal friend, role model passed away, Tuesday, July 28, 2015. As a child, Cordy, was blessed with many talents, which to this day bring memories of joy to loved ones. She was an exceptional pianist, cheerleader, and dancer, including dancing with the Antlerette Dance Team. Her love of teamwork evident through her monthly gatherings of celebration for all occasions in an effort to continue her beloved childhood friendships. These efforts extended through her work in organizing re-unions for Ursuline and St. Joseph’s Academies. After completing her schooling at Ursuline Academy in 1967, she went on to Incarnate Word (B.A.) in San Antonio, following with her completed studies (M.A.) at Laredo State University. Thus, beginning and enhancing her illustrious academic career in education. Cordy served the children of our community as a committed elementary teacher making a difference in many lives. Wanting to make an impact on a larger scale, she took on the challenge of Administration. She served as assistant principal and principal of Buenos Aires Elementary and as principal of Dovalina Elementary and J.C. Martin Elementary. Knowing the importance of family and furthering her commitment to Laredo’s youth, she was selected to serve as the Director of Parental Involvement with Laredo Independent School District. At all the schools she served, Cordy inspired countless students with her dedication and wisdom, bringing knowledge to life in the classroom, shaping the lives of many, and gaining the trust and respect of her colleagues with her humility and astute knowledge. "She was an incredible teacher but more importantly a great human being -- a woman who always smiled and always had a kind word for everyone. She made everyone feel special. This is a sad time for all." said a colleague and friend. Cordy displayed unconditional devotion to family and friends, and her biggest joy came from the time she enjoyed with her beloved grandchildren. She combined humility and generosity in everything she did, doing many a good deed for the love of it and never for the glory. This generosity, of course, evident through the time served volunteering as an auxiliary member at Mercy Hospital and her dedicated service helping the underprivileged at the Bethany House. Her commitment to community service was also overwhelmingly visible through her role at Blessed Sacrament Church where she was instrumental in the development of the ACTS movement since 2010. Her spirituality, the essence of the life she led, attracted many to follow her lead. She was a woman with grace and impeccable style. Always “the perfectionist” in her taste and love of seasonal decor, and an admired artist for her beautiful paintings. This love of art and curiosity to learn led her to travel abroad to many countries and gain knowledge, firsthand, of the beauty in the world. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ismael Trevino and Guadalupe “Lupe” Hinojosa Trevino. Cordy is survived by her husband, Tomas S. Cantu; children, Tomas Antonio (Vivi) Cantu, Eduardo “Wayo” Daniel Cantu, and Joemma Janelle C. (Marco) Pope; and beloved grandchildren, Vincent Andrew Pope and Natalie Cassandra Pope, Kari Celeda and Kiara Celeda; sister Josy T. (Juan) Sanchez. A rosary was recited Thursday, July 30, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Chapel. A visitation was held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2015, at 9a.m. from Hillside Funeral Home to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. A mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Vidal Alonso Cantu, Arnoldo Hiram Cantu, Juan Carlos Sanchez, Juan G. Sanchez, and Mauro Garcia. Honorary Pallbearers will be Vidal Cantu Jr., Antonio A. Cantu, David H. Cantu, David H. Cantu, Jr., Blas Cantu, Ricardo Sanchez, Humberto Vela Jr. The Cantu family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Reynaldo Godines. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.