Timeline for Minerva Barrera
Born: February 16, 1940
Died: May 21, 2021
Minerva Cantu Barrera, who once described herself as a “wife of one, mother of four and teacher of many” died peacefully at home on Friday, May 21, 2021. A native Laredoan and alumna of Texas Women’s University, Minerva taught Business Communications at Martin High School for over 30 years. Throughout her life, Minerva devoted her life to family and community, where she was committed to organizations like The United Way, Laredo Crime Stoppers, Laredo Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, and the Princess Pocahontas Council. Minerva’s favorite moments came in service to others, most evidenced by the daily volunteering efforts she so lovingly practiced at her beloved St. Patrick Catholic Church. Minerva’s endless wit and charity will forever be remembered by those who loved her.
Minerva was never happier than when she was surrounded by family and friends or her beloved students. As a young teacher, she regularly traveled with her students to Guanajuato, Mexico, and she was dedicated to the goals of the University Interscholastic League (UIL). As a vocational educator, she placed hundreds of students in jobs as part of the Vocational Office Education (VOE) program at Martin High. Just as she taught her own children that kindness and generosity of spirit begins with inner strength and perseverance and spills out into the world, so too was this a lesson she instilled in her students.
Most significantly, Minerva held an eternal love for her husband, Ramiro. This was seen in their constant companionship, especially during the final decade of his life, during which time they enjoyed long road trips and traveling the world in retirement. Her children Ramiro, Cordelia, Raul, and René could always count on their Mom to lend a hand, an ear, a few dollars, or a word of encouragement. Energetic and passionate in all she did, Minerva’s pastor once said of her, “I doubt the woman has an enemy in the world.”
Confident, tenacious, and resolute, Minerva’s inner light and strength of character came directly from the ways she cultivated and practiced her daily spirituality. Even as Alzheimer’s devastated her small frame over the last decade, her strength of soul and intellect remained formidable, and it is this that her family and friends will remember her by. Those who knew Minerva cannot help but recall her audacious sense of humor, talented way with words, unwavering faith, and generous spirit. Even in sickness, these qualities never left her, and she was joyful and jocular to the end.
Following her bliss always, Minerva’s worldview of service and dedication to others encourages us to do the same. A final lesson from one who devoted her life to educating others is that when we cultivate strength of soul there is no end to our travels, even if these are only in our memories. In the end, Minerva lived in her memories, and these abounded in love, happiness, and jubilation. Her strength and unforgettable presence endures for those who recall her and as a beacon in the city she loved.
Minerva is survived by her children Ramiro Barrera III (Adriana Barrera), Cordelia Barrera (Julie Ann Carlton), Raul Barrera, and René Barrera (Julie Barrera). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kristian Barrera, Daniella Barrera Martinez (Milan), Rebecca Barrera, Bianca Barrera, and Isaac Barrera as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The chapel at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services will be opening at 7:00 am on Thursday, May 27, 2021. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:00 am. Funeral services will continue to St. Patrick Catholic Church where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Interment will follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Juan Canavati, Robert Gutierrez, Reuben Botello, Raymond Botello, Roberto Gonzalez, Jr., Raul Perales, Jose “Corky” Gonzalez, and Richard E. Fleming. Honorary pallbearers will be Lazaro Garza-Gongora, Beto Garza-Gongora, Fred Garcia, Milan A. Martinez, and Isaac R. Barrera.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Casa de Misericordia PO Box 6184, Laredo, TX 78042
Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Mine was my Godmother and she will be dearly missed. I have wonderful memories of her, she was always so kind and always full of spirit. May she Rest In Peace with Ramiro her love, my Mom Norma her Comadre, and all her loved ones. May God comfort your family during this time. God Bless! Love and Hugs! Jimmy, Terry, Aubrey and Austin Woodruff
In memory of Minerva Barrera, Lee Ruhlman terry lit a candle
My deepest condolences to the family. Minnie was loved by many. Loved our time together in San Miguel Allende. Rest In Peace sweet friend. Lee Ruhlman terry
Cordy I remember your beloved parents since I was at Martin High School. Then you were my student and basketball player at Mary Help of Christian School. My most deepest condolences and prayers for the Barrera Family during this difficult time of grieving. May the perpetual light shine upon and Rest In Peace Mrs Barrera. ??? Toni (Cisneros) Benavides Cypress, Tx
We are keeping your family in our prayers Warm and caring thoughts, Donny & Kelly Cruz
Una excelente persona, madre y esposa, descanse en paz.en los brazos de nuestro padre Dios etermente??
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to all family, her children and their spouses, her grandchildren, her cousins, nieces and nephews and all who were close to her. She was a great person who was proud and supportive of all her family. She leaves many good memories. She is now in Eternal Rest.
Mr. Barrera (III), I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and the entire Barrera Family. May your mom rest in peace.
On behalf of my sisters, the family of Alberto and Aurora Gonzalez, as well as my husband Alfonso and myself, Annie Mendiola, please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. We have many fond memories of both my cousin Ramiro and Mine. My husband and I will always remember Mine for her beautiful personality. She was my teacher, colleague and mentor at Martin High, but more than that she was friend. God bless you all. Annie and Poncho Mendiola
Ram our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Our sincere condolences, we are so sorry for your loss. Always thinking of you and your family. We love you!
My husband, Ricardo and I extend our deepest condolences to your family. May our Lord Jesus Christ give you the comfort and peace which only He can give. Our prayers are with you.
Ms Barrera, I have so much to be grateful to you, from being my business teacher at MHS, always instructing me to strive to be the best I could be by excelling in my business courses, then getting me my first job because of what you taught me , to then proudly having you & Mr Barrera as padrinos as my wedding. I am so sorry I lost touch with you when I relocated to another state. You were my angel when I was a young woman and now you are an angel.to all, family, friends, and me.
Mi mas sincero pesame a toda la familia Barrera. ????????❤️❤️❤️❤️
Much love to all of the family in the loss of a beautiful soul and matriarch of the family.
In memory of Minerva Barrera, Martha Hilario-Hernandez lit a candle
You will be forever missed but will live on in our lives daily! All of our love!
Fam. Barrera: Mis mas sincero pesame en la perdida de Mrs. Barrera. Mrs. Barrera sembro unas palabras magicas en mi vida cuando fue mi maestra: 'USEN SU IMAGINACION' Estas palabras han dado mucho fruto en mi vida profesional y cada vez que se presenta la ocasion comparto ese lema con mis companeros. No existe reto alguno que no se pueda alcanzar cuando USAMOS LA IMAGINACION. Gracias Mrs. Barrera por todas las semillas que sembroen nuestras vidas, Dios le de el Eterno Descanso. Rosaura Samaniego-Romo
In memory of Minerva Barrera, Maria Luisa Uribe lit a candle
Our deepest condolences to the family of our co-worker and dear friend.
Cordelia, Ramiro, Raul and Rene, Our condolences to you as your mother joins your dad. A poem for her: Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for her, And may there be no moaning of the bar As she puts out to sea. But such a tide as seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, As she embarks. For though from out our Bourne of Time and Place The flood has borne her far, She sees her Pilot face to face Now that she has crossed the Bar. Alfred Lord Tennyson
Date: Thursday, May 27, 2021
Time: 7:00 am
Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services
Address:
A Rosary will be recited at 9:00 am
Date: Thursday, May 27, 2021
Date: Thursday, May 27, 2021
Casa de Misericordia offers battered women the chance reclaim their lives through comprehensive, holistic services and consistent long-term support.
Casa de Misericordia’s mission is the empowerment of women and children, the accountability of the batterer, and a commitment to work with the Laredo community. Casa is committed to changing the way domestic violence is perceived, as well as the way battered victims and their families’ needs are responded to.
Phone: 956 729-0211
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Mine was my Godmother and she will be dearly missed. I have wonderful memories of her, she was always so kind and always full of spirit. May she Rest In Peace with Ramiro her love, my Mom Norma her Comadre, and all her loved ones. May God comfort your family during this time. God Bless! Love and Hugs! Jimmy, Terry, Aubrey and Austin Woodruff
In memory of Minerva Barrera, Lee Ruhlman terry lit a candle
My deepest condolences to the family. Minnie was loved by many. Loved our time together in San Miguel Allende. Rest In Peace sweet friend. Lee Ruhlman terry
Cordy I remember your beloved parents since I was at Martin High School. Then you were my student and basketball player at Mary Help of Christian School. My most deepest condolences and prayers for the Barrera Family during this difficult time of grieving. May the perpetual light shine upon and Rest In Peace Mrs Barrera. ??? Toni (Cisneros) Benavides Cypress, Tx
We are keeping your family in our prayers Warm and caring thoughts, Donny & Kelly Cruz
Una excelente persona, madre y esposa, descanse en paz.en los brazos de nuestro padre Dios etermente??
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to all family, her children and their spouses, her grandchildren, her cousins, nieces and nephews and all who were close to her. She was a great person who was proud and supportive of all her family. She leaves many good memories. She is now in Eternal Rest.
Mr. Barrera (III), I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and the entire Barrera Family. May your mom rest in peace.
On behalf of my sisters, the family of Alberto and Aurora Gonzalez, as well as my husband Alfonso and myself, Annie Mendiola, please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. We have many fond memories of both my cousin Ramiro and Mine. My husband and I will always remember Mine for her beautiful personality. She was my teacher, colleague and mentor at Martin High, but more than that she was friend. God bless you all. Annie and Poncho Mendiola
Ram our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Our sincere condolences, we are so sorry for your loss. Always thinking of you and your family. We love you!
My husband, Ricardo and I extend our deepest condolences to your family. May our Lord Jesus Christ give you the comfort and peace which only He can give. Our prayers are with you.
Ms Barrera, I have so much to be grateful to you, from being my business teacher at MHS, always instructing me to strive to be the best I could be by excelling in my business courses, then getting me my first job because of what you taught me , to then proudly having you & Mr Barrera as padrinos as my wedding. I am so sorry I lost touch with you when I relocated to another state. You were my angel when I was a young woman and now you are an angel.to all, family, friends, and me.
Mi mas sincero pesame a toda la familia Barrera. ????????❤️❤️❤️❤️
Much love to all of the family in the loss of a beautiful soul and matriarch of the family.
In memory of Minerva Barrera, Martha Hilario-Hernandez lit a candle
You will be forever missed but will live on in our lives daily! All of our love!
Fam. Barrera: Mis mas sincero pesame en la perdida de Mrs. Barrera. Mrs. Barrera sembro unas palabras magicas en mi vida cuando fue mi maestra: 'USEN SU IMAGINACION' Estas palabras han dado mucho fruto en mi vida profesional y cada vez que se presenta la ocasion comparto ese lema con mis companeros. No existe reto alguno que no se pueda alcanzar cuando USAMOS LA IMAGINACION. Gracias Mrs. Barrera por todas las semillas que sembroen nuestras vidas, Dios le de el Eterno Descanso. Rosaura Samaniego-Romo
In memory of Minerva Barrera, Maria Luisa Uribe lit a candle
Our deepest condolences to the family of our co-worker and dear friend.
Cordelia, Ramiro, Raul and Rene, Our condolences to you as your mother joins your dad. A poem for her: Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for her, And may there be no moaning of the bar As she puts out to sea. But such a tide as seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, As she embarks. For though from out our Bourne of Time and Place The flood has borne her far, She sees her Pilot face to face Now that she has crossed the Bar. Alfred Lord Tennyson
Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.