Helen Cantu

Helen Cantu, affectionately known as “Mom”,  went peacefully to be with our Lord on July 10, 2024, surrounded by her family.  Helen was born on December 31, 1932, to Miguel Torres and Dora Vega in Gonzales, Texas. She lived in Gonzales and attended the Riverside School.  In 1946 she met the love of her life, Jesse T Cantu, upon his return from WWII, and on February 22, 1947, they were married.  She was a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and great-great-great grandmother. 

Helen was a devoted wife and mother.  In her younger years, she enjoyed knitting and crocheting with her mother. Helen showed true dedication to the vows she took when she left her employment in the poultry industry to care for her husband as he battled cancer. She was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family, most especially over the holidays. Grandma “Mom” had a special love for all her grandchildren, from the oldest to the youngest, and always made their favorite snacks whenever they were around.  Her family can recall the many hours sitting in her kitchen listening to her advice on life, family, and cooking.  She was a master of crossword puzzles and never missed her novelas.  She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church.   Her faith could be seen in the simplest ways like her words she shared at the end of each visit, “Hasta mañana. Si Dios quiere”. 

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her siblings: Mike Torres, Joe Vega, Gilbert Martinez Jr., Miguel Torres, and Manuel Torres; her son Jesse Cantu, Jr., grandson Lee Michael Sykes, and her sons in law Jesse Vara, Jr. and  Jesse Hidalgo.

She leaves behind those who will cherish her memory including her children: Helen Vara and Gloria Hidalgo of Gonzales, Texas,  Julia Sepulveda (Adolph) of Smithville, Texas, Lupe Cantu (Mary Esther), Roger Cantu (Mary), and Robert Cantu, Sr. (Sylvia) of Gonzales, Texas; her siblings: Roland Martinez (Lupe) of Gonzales, Texas, Acacia Moring (Jesse) of Brownsville, Texas, Socorro Gillot and Cristina Ratcliff of Pierre Port, LA.; her 22 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, 52 great-great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family of Helen Cantu would like to thank the staff at The Heights of Gonzales for caring for her during her stay.  Special thanks to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church community for the services and the meal.  

A visitation will be held Sunday, July 13, 2024, at Seydler – Hill Funeral Home from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, a rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of The Resurrection will take place on Monday, July 14, 2024, at the Sacred Heart Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Cory Cantu, Robert Cantu, Jr., Steven Cantu, Darron Hernandez, Kenneth Hernandez, Luis Segura, and Steven Segura.  Honorary pallbearers:  Daniel Cantu, Sean Cantu, Aaron Hernandez, and Jerry Vara. 

Friends and family may leave their condolences online by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com

All services are under the care and direction of Seydler – Hill Funeral Home.