Garcia & Trevino Funeral Home
Celia de la Cerda Cantu
Mercedes/Alamo
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Celia de la Cerda Cantu. She peacefully entered into eternal rest with our Lord on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Mercedes, TX. She was born on January 10, 1935, in Mercedes, TX to Juan and Leonor de la Cerda. During the 90 years we were blessed with Celia, she wasn't just our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother-she was our guiding light, our source of unconditional love, and a faithful servant to Jesus Christ. Her love and faith were a constant force that shaped us through life's joys and challenges.
In her younger years, Celia learned about the love of God from her grandmother, aunt, and her mother, Leonor. This strong foundation of faith became the cornerstone of her life and legacy. Celia graduated from Mercedes High School in 1953. Inspired by her Tia Caline, she pursued her higher education-a rare and remarkable achievement for her time. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Robert Cantu. Robert often saw Celia working at the Mercedes Movie Theater (later known as the First National Ballroom) and knew she was someone special. Celia's perseverance led her to earn an emergency teaching certificate in 1956, and in 1957, she married Robert. By 1959, Celia had graduated from Pan American College in Edinburg, TX, and began her 34-year career in education, with 29 years dedicated to Merecedes ISD.
In Mercedes, Celia and Robert raised their beautiful family, instilling in their children a deep love for Jesus Christ and the importance of faith. She was a proud member of El Principe de Paz and Genesis Evangelical Presbyterian Church, devoting her time and talents to teaching others about God's love.
Celia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Cantu; her parents Juan and Leonor Vasquez de la Cerda; an infant son; and her three brothers Santiago, Salvador, and Segundo de la Cerda.
She leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory forever; her son Ronnie R. Cantu, and his late wife Linda Cantu of Edinburg; her daughter Joanne Villa and her husband Robin Villa, of Donna. Celia's love for her seven grandchildren was immense: Giovanna Rojas Duran and her husband, Santos Omar Duran; Rita Cantu; Jamie Rojas Mendoza and her husband, Joshua Mendoza; Rosanne Cantu; Janette Rojas Adame and her husband, John Adame; Robert R. Cantu and his wife, Brittany; and Andrew Jacob Ayala. She also treasured her 11 great-grandchildren; Lina Gabriella and Lydia Michaela Sittler; Giselle Kailani, Gianna Amorette, and Giulianna Violet Duran; Adalynn Keira, Caden Devin, and Caleb Brendon Adame; Diana, Noah, and Ann Marie Cantu. Her loving sisters Senobia Castaneda, Sara Garza, and Sylvia Castaneda as well as numerous nieces and nephews, will also carry her legacy forward.
Celia's love for the Lord and her unwavering faith left a permanent mark on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Celia touched the lives of many with her smile, kindness, and genuine love for others. Her memory will be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.
Our beloved grandma is now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord. While we miss her dearly, we celebrate her extraordinary life and look forward to the day we are reunited with her in the kingdom of heaven.
Visitation will be Friday, January 31, 2025, from 1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. with a service from 6:00 pm-7:00 p.m. Burial will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Presbyterian Cemetery in Mercedes. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Garcia & Trevino Funeral Home in Mercedes.
Psalm 28:7
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him."
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