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Our dear mother Minerva Cuellar sadly passed away Sunday September 1st, 2024, at the age of 87. She was a wonderful mother who dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren offering support, wisdom and love in abundance. Minerva was born October 13, 1936, in San Diego to the late Candelario Cuellar and the late Veronica Barrera Cuellar. She was a quiet and polite young child attending Catholic school in San Diego until the age of 15. She attended high school at Incarnate Word Academy in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she made many dear lifelong friends. During her years at school, she met Leocado Casas, Jr., who was introduced to her by her best friend Lucilla Casas. The two dated and married in 1952. Leocadio, known as Leo Jr, was attending Texas A&M University at the time. So, after the wedding and a short honeymoon the two made their home in Corpus Christi. In late 1954, their firstborn arrived right before Christmas. A baby boy to carry on the Casas legacy arrived in the early morning hours of December 18,1954. They named him Leocadio, III. In 1956, they had their second child, a beautiful baby girl they named Marta Gina. The couple decided to return to College Station in 1959 so Leo Jr. could finish his education. While living in College Station, their final joy was born, another beautiful baby girl they named Teresa Annette. After Leo Jr.’s graduation, the family soon made their way back to the Alice area where the family thrived and Leo Jr., went to work for Farmers Home Administration. Minerva worked for half a day at Physicians and Surgeon’s Hospital in Alice for many years. She enrolled her children in Catholic school. Her faith was very important to her, and she made sure the children attended mass regularly. Minerva continued being the best mother possible tending to their home, running the children around to school and all their extracurricular activities that busy children are involved in, football, cheerleading, dance, and tennis. Her children made new friends, and they were always welcomed around the dining table. She could bake as well as most pastry chefs without ever using a cookbook, a talent inherited from her mother. She was very close and devoted to her In-Laws, Leocadio Sr. and Lauriana Casas. “Papa Leocadio”, as she referred to her father-in-law, had a sweet tooth and was extremely fond of her cakes. As time marched on, her children left one by one to attend college; the older two to Texas A&M University, following in their father’s footsteps. Teresa, the youngest, attended The University of Texas at Austin. After her children left the nest, Minerva and Leo parted ways. She decided to start a new life and moved to San Antonio to be near her children. She became a volunteer at Christus Spohn Hospital for several years, something she enjoyed very much. Once her two granddaughters were born, Sara Camille in ’97 and Ana Claire in ’98, they became her pride and joy, and her world revolved around everything the two were doing. She was extremely proud of both the girls. Minerva was preceded in death by her parents Candelario and Veronica Cuellar, her daughter Teresa Casas, her sister, Zulema Mendez, and Leocadio Casas, Jr. She is survived by her daughter Gina Casas, son Leo Casas, III (Roxane), granddaughters Sara Camille and Ana Claire Casas, and beloved niece Becky Miniel (Peter). Special thanks on behalf of the entire family to her lifelong assistant Cande Araiza. Also, a special thanks to Danny Contra for the extra care and attention to Minerva in the last year of her life. A celebration of life was held September 25th, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, San Antonio with a rosary recited at 11:00 a.m. and funeral mass at 11:30. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 600 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78216 or Christus Spohn Hospital Beeville – Beeville Ladies Night Out attn: Anna Eeds P.O. Box 962 Beeville, Texas 78104.

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Minerva Cuellar

October 13, 1936 - September 1, 2024