Clara Cantu Alaniz

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, Clara Cantu Alaniz, who passed away on September 18, 2024, at the age of 84.  She was a breast cancer survivor and ultimately lost her battle due to heart disease.

Clara, as she was fondly known, was born on February 16, 1940, in Swinney Switch, Texas to Santiago Cantu, Sr. and Maria Carranza Cantu. She had six siblings, all who were delivered at home by a midwife.  Clara grew up alongside her younger siblings and attended George West High School.  Immediately after high school she pursued a career in Cosmetology.  This is where she met her husband, Arturo Collins Alaniz, who at that time was working as a fire fighter across from the vocational school she was attending.  She soon realized “beauty school” was not her calling and continued with her education where she proudly earned her master’s degree in education, specializing in bilingual studies.  Clara was a teacher for Corpus Christi ISD for 22 years, a job she cherished before moving to San Antonio where she continued her passion in education by teaching GED/remedial classes at Alamo College for 6 years.

Clara was a loving sister and friend, always willing to lend a helping hand and a listening ear. Her warm personality, infectious smile, and generous heart made her an instant favorite among all who knew her. She had a passion for reading and a profound love of education.  Although she never had any children of her own, she was very proud of her nieces and nephews and ready to hear about their life plans and adventures.

Despite facing many challenges in her life, she was a fighter until the end.  Clara remained resilient and persevered through it all. She never met a stranger and was always there to offer guidance, support and encouragement. 

Clara is survived by her cherished canine companion Daisy, her brother, Santiago (Mary) Cantu, Jr., her sister, Ysabel C Gaitan and her brother-in-law, Ubenceslado “Bence” Trevino, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives.  She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Anita (Rudy) Ruiz and Mary Trevino, her brothers, David (Lucille) and Daniel (Lucy) Cantu and brother-in-law Reymundo Gaitan.   Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

A visitation will be held at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 21, at St. George Catholic Church in George West, Texas. A rosary will be recited at 10:00 am followed by the celebration of the funeral mass at 10:30 am with Fr. Romeo Salinas as celebrant. Interment will follow at the San Pedro Cemetery in Clareville, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers are Arturo Gaitan, Rodney Cantu, Michael Cantu, Andres Gaitan, Rodney “Mono” Cantu, Jr., Michael “Mikey” Cantu, Jr.

We will miss her dearly but take comfort in the fact that she is now in a better place, free from pain and suffering. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

OAK PARK MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL

BEEVILLE, TEXAS

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7430qlhip5oqy7lpksdqz/1726699994058.mov?rlkey=2vpunz64xku3bsp8juw5b3kgp&dl=0

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