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