Rosa Alicia Cantú Moreno

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rosa Alicia Cantú Moreno, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and dedicated educator of the Laredo community. Born on October 14, 1932 in Laredo, Texas, Rosa lived most of her life in Laredo where she touched many hearts. She went to be with our Lord on Thursday, August 27, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion.

Rosa attended Ursuline Academy, and was a proud graduate of Martin High School in 1949. Her commitment to learning and service led her to Texas Women’s University, where in 1954 she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics, with a minor in chemistry, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. With a passion for teaching that spanned over three decades, Rosa dedicated 33 years of her life to the Laredo Independent School District, primarily as a Home Economics teacher at Martin High School.

Beyond her role as an educator, Rosa actively engaged in numerous professional organizations. She served as an officer in both the Classroom Teachers Association at the local level, and the Texas State Teacher Association at the state level. Mr. J. W. Nixon, who was the Superintendent at the time, selected her to travel to Austin to represent LISD. Her commitment to the community was evident through her volunteer work at the Mercy Hospital gift shop, her membership in the Tuesday Music and Literature Club, as well as the Webb County chapter of the Retired Teachers Association.

Rosa loved gardening and appreciated beautiful flowers, especially roses, which often graced her home. She was an excellent cook and was equally at ease preparing a meal for her family or hosting dinner parties. As head of the Martin High School Homemaking Department, she was also responsible for directing school-wide banquets. For several years, she was placed in charge of the Food and Nutritional component of the Head Start Summer Program, which prepared free lunches for those in need, as well as teaching cooking lessons to the Mothers who participated. After she retired, she was honored by Martin High School as a Tiger Legend. Later, she continued to educate, imparting her knowledge of nutrition to young mothers and their infants.

Her later years were spent at Brookdale Retirement Community in Austin where she enjoyed daily visits from her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Blas Cantú & Alicia Hinojosa Cantú, and her brother Blas Cantú Jr. & his wife Melinda, from Harlingen, and the Father of her children, Antonio S. Moreno Jr. from Laredo.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Dr. Rosa Alicia “Rosie” Moreno Montalvo (Henry), Theresa Yvonne “Terry” Moreno Janecek (Tim), and Antonio “Tony” Moreno III, all from Austin.

She is also survived by her granddaughter Jennifer “Jenny” Montalvo Love (Austin) and great grandsons Peyton & Grady, from San Antonio, grandson Daniel “Danny” Montalvo from New York, granddaughter Rose Marie Montalvo McClory (Luke) and great granddaughter Mina Rose from Austin, granddaughter Sirena Janecek Castañeda (Jesus) and great grandsons Luciano & Santiago from San Diego, and granddaughter Hayden Janecek Taylor (Bryan) and great granddaughter Amelia from Washington State.

Her nieces and nephews include Rebecca “Becky” Cantú Jennings, Daniel “Danny” Cantú (Jennifer), from Carrollton, Laura Moreno, David Moreno (Jackie) from San Antonio, Carmela Marmolejo Zamora (Juan), Marissa Marmolejo Martinez (Alex), and Irma Marmolejo Zuñiga (Paul), from Edinburg, and in addition, numerous great nieces and nephews.

Rosa is survived by her cousin Estella “Stella” Notzon, and daughter Stella Ann, and cousin Josie Sanchez (Juan). She also had close friendships with Sara Harrington, Olga “Rommie” Salinas, Cynthia “Cindy” Valls, Adela Reyes, Gabriella “Gabby” Gallagher, and Jesus “Nuno” Flores.

Rosa embraced life with passion, always expressing gratitude to God for her many blessings. She remained a vibrant light to all who were blessed to know and love her, and she will be dearly missed.

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday evening, September 11, 2026. from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez; where a Vigil for the deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday morning, September 12, 2026 departing at 8:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:00 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In keeping with her love of flowers, Rosa’s wish was to invite everyone to wear bright and beautiful colors to her Rosary on Friday, and to her Celebration of Life services on Saturday.

Rosa’s pallbearers are: Daniel Montalvo, Jonathan Jennings, Samuel Cantú, Nuno Flores, Nick Lanese, and Jorge Cervantes.

The family sincerely appreciates all of the care given to her by the Brookdale staff and her medical providers, including several physicians at Austin Regional Clinic: Dr. Diane Brinkman, Dr. Michelle Markley, Dr. Amy Mason, Dr. Jeffrey Padalecki, Audiologist Laura Lane, and specialists Dr. George Rodgers, and Dr. Richard Sperling. In addition, we would like to thank Physician Assistant Joyce Tseng, Hospice Nurse Nicole Robinson, Physical Therapist Noa Perry, and Occupational Therapist Katarina Tauran, and her caregivers Sylvia, Danielle, Vincencia, Nadege, Rosalind, Amy, and Toyosi. During the time she lived in Laredo, she appreciated the care and friendship of Dr. Oscar Gutierrez, as well as his staff.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to The Laredo Animal Protective Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Service, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040; (956) 722-0001.