Elisa Cantu Valencia

Elisa Cantu Valencia departed this life and entered into eternal glory on October 2, 2012. She leaves behind sons Arthur Cantu Valencia, David Wayne Valencia, and Gil Jesse Valencia; Daughter-in-law, Rosemary Valencia; grandchildren Victor J. Valencia, Elena M. Richey spouse Aaron, Rebecca A. Hensley, spouse Branon, Joshua House and Lisa Valencia; Great-grandchildren Jesse Vincent A.Hensley and Myles A. Richey. Elisa also leaves behind 5 brothers, Jesse, Simon, Stevan, Richard, and Johnny Cantu, 1 sister, Trini Torres and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by beloved husband of 51 years, Jesse V. Valencia (2006); mother, Joaquina (1997) and father Nolberto Cantu (1984). Elisa was born in Dallas' Little Mexico. She attended Cumberland Elementary and St. Ann's school. In 1955 she married Jesse Vincent Valencia and proceeded to have 3 sons. After a brief stay in Florida, Elisa and Jesse returned to Dallas and raised their children in Mesquite. There she became a very active member of her church. She taught CCD classes at St. Augustine Catholic Church for over 20 years, served on the Women's League and volunteered her service anywhere she was needed within the ministry. Upon retiring, Elisa enjoyed spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren and sons. She very much enjoyed going on vacations with Arthur and his family, visiting such places as Washington D.C., NYC and Memphis. On any given day you can find her going to garage sales with her husband or tending to her lawn. In 2005 Elisa was diagnosed with Parkinsons. Despite the diagnoses, she remained strong, full of faith and active. She enjoyed taking Tai Chi and aquatic classes at the local Senior Center. In 2009, she suffered a stroke that left the right side of her body paralyzed and unable to speak. Again, despite this, Elisa had an incomparable spirit and inner shine. She continued to laugh and smile and, as always, find grace within her faith in God and comfort within her family. On September 18, she suffered an irreparable stroke on the other side of her brain. Throughout her final years Elisa became an example to others. Despite her tremendous suffering she remained a witness for God through her courage and unending determination. The family with be forever grateful to her caretakers Cindy Hill-Simmons, Krista Sandlin and Barbara Cannon who were among those to have had the pleasure of spending her last years with her.