Tributes

Esther Cantu Hinojosa, age 88 passed away on Wednesday, October 20,2021 in San Antonio, Texas after a long illness. Esther was born on February 6, 1933 in Realitos,Texas to Toribio and Isabel Cantu. Esther was an amazing wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister and friend who will be remembered as having a heart of gold and being a giver of love and joy. The joy of the Lord was always Esther’s strength. She was strong, selfless, positive and her presence could light up any room. Esther Hinojosa grew up on a dairy and cattle ranch outside the small South Texas town of Realitos. She graduated from Benavides High School. Esther was a beautiful woman with a vibrant personality, a contagious laugh, a lighthearted spirit, and a beautiful smile who loved the Lord with all of her heart. If you were ever lucky enough to spend time with her your life would be changed forever. Esther married the love of her life Andres Hinojosa Jr. They were married 41 years before his death in 1995. Together they raised their three children Esther Edna, David Andres, and Delina Velda. As a team they owned and operated “Hinojosa Food Store” a convenience store and the first automotive parts retailer in Hebbronville, Texas where they enjoyed dealing with the public. In addition to a convenience store and reflective of their entrepreneurial spirit, Esther and Andres opened the original recording studio in Hebbronville, Texas. Tape recordings of both 4-track and 8-track formats were produced for musical groups from both Texas and various parts of Mexico. Also reflective of her hard work ethics and fortitude, Esther actually operated the family business on her own for close to two years while Andres furthered his education out of state. Later, Esther and the family relocated to Crystal City, Texas and eventually settled in San Antonio, Texas. In Crystal City, Esther was employed as a Guidance Counselor. She counseled troubled teens and unwed mothers. Esther was also employed as a special education teacher assistant for the San Antonio Independent School District for over 30 years. Her love, patience and personality allowed her to work with special needs children. In addition, she was an ordained minister. Her past times included visiting with friends and family in person and on the phone, attending church, embroidery, reading, exercising and tending to her beautiful garden. Esther Hinojosa is loved, cherished and survived by many including her children Esther Edna Gonzalez (Roberto Jr.) of Victoria, TX, David Andres Hinojosa (Jeanette) of Mesa, AZ, Delina Velda Montgomery, of San Antonio, TX, her eight grandchildren and her four great grandchildren. She is also survived by her two sisters Olga Elizondo and Nelda Colmenero, her caregiver, Loly Perez and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. Esther is preceded in death by her siblings Dora Garcia, Leonila Rubio, Noe Cantu, Toribio Cantu Jr., Louis Cantu, Humberto Cantu and Homero Rey Cantu and her son-in-law Tom Montgomery. Esther Hinojosa’s family would like to sincerely thank her caregiver, Loly Perez, who provided her with unconditional love and excellent care for over 5 years. A special thank you to Maria Lopez, Karen Robinson and Avelina Estrada Martinez for the excellent care they provided as well. Additionally, the family would like to offer special thanks to Shawn Mollica PA at Dearwood Family Practice. Most importantly, we would like to thank our sister, Delina Montgomery, for the many years of love, caring and support she provided for our mother. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the family would like to take safety precautions. We ask that everyone wear a mask and practice social distancing. There will be limited seating and unfortunately no reception following the services. In honor of the family’s wishes and for everyone’s safety, we ask that you please follow these requests. Thank you in advance.

Tributes

Esther C. Hinojosa

February 6, 1933 - October 20, 2021