Maria Elena (Cantu) Carrizales

Maria Elena (Cantu) Carrizales, 82, of Schulenburg, passed away peacefully and entered her eternal rest on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. She was a cherished matriarch, her life was defined by an unwavering devotion to her family, a generous spirit, and a legacy of love that will continue by the generations she nurtured.

She was born in Gonzales on June 14, 1943, to Alex Medina Cantu and Eugenia Tovar (Castro) Cantu. Maria Elena along with her beloved husband Anastacio “Tacho” Carrizales, shared many memories together, they moved to San Antonio in their later years and enjoyed each other’s company. She was a familiar in her community, having proudly worked at the Bexar County courthouse for over 22 years. Maria Elena was known for her hard work and boundless compassion, she opened her heart and her home to many friends and family members.

Family was the cornerstone of Maria Elena’s life. She is survived by her devoted children, whom she loved dearly; her daughter, Tina Garza and her husband Joe of Schulenburg; and her son, Lawrence Cagle and his wife Cindy of New Braunfels. Her joy also multiplied through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Through her son Lawrence Cagle and his wife Cindy: Grandchildren Brandon and Ryan; and granddaughter Anessa and her husband Jaxon Saenz, along with great-grandchildren Julian and Justin. Through her granddaughter Amanda Diane Cantu: Great-grandchildren Daziah, Matthew Jr., Alivya, and Josiah. Through her granddaughter Michelle L. Guerrero and husband Mitchell: Great-grandchildren Charles, Serenity, Jeffery, and Ryee. Through her grandson Christopher and his wife Brittany: Great-grandchildren Justin, Brianna, Ethan, Ariana, Jayden, and Zachary. Through her grandson Mitchell Mendez and fiancée Kelli: Great-grandchildren Christopher, Chloe, Aiden, Aubrey, Kalob, and Kayleigh. She is also survived by her siblings; sisters Esther Nicholson of Arkansas, Ruth Lea of Deerpark and Stella Spain of Houston, and her brother Eduardo Cantu of Houston.

In addition to her family, Maria Elena leaves behind her loyal and comforting companion dogs, Rocky and Trixie, who brought her immense joy, constant comfort, and faithful companionship.

Maria Elena was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anastacio Carrizales; her cherished grandson, Charles Lynn Mendez Vickers; and her beloved parents, Reverend Alex Medina Cantu and Eugenia Tovar Castro Cantu of Gonzales, Texas. She was also reunited in eternal rest with her dear brothers and sisters who preceded her in death; Frances Mora, Velia Cantu, Jesse Cantu, Alice Cantu Alva, Joe Cantu, Steven Cantu Sr., Amelie Cantu, Ruebin Cantu, Eugenia Cantu Ramirez, Alex Cantu Jr., and David Cantu.

Her family will forever cherish the memory of her strength, her warmth, and the quiet comfort of the home she built.

A visitation will take place at Seydler – Hill Funeral Home on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with a holy rosary starting at 7:00pm recited by Deacon Terry Brennan. A Mass of the Resurrection will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:00am officiated by Fr. Jason Martini. Interment will follow at St. James Catholic Cemetery. Honoring Maria Elena by serving as her pallbearers will be Alex Cantu Sr., Edward Herrera, Alex Cantu Jr., Mario Cantu, Rudy Ramirez, and Jaxon Saenz.

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

All services are under the car and direction of Seydler – Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales, Texas.