Oralia “Lala” Cantu passed away September 27, 2010 with her loving family by her side. She was 77.  Lala was born in Buena Vista, Texas on June 13, 1933 to Eulogio and Guadalupe Salinas Espinoza. She was raised in La Rosita, Texas but made her home in Freer, Texas for the past 60 years. A hair dresser by trade who attended Stevenson Beauty College, Lala owned and operated Lala’s Beauty Shop in Freer, Texas. She and her husband, Edmundo, also owned and operated Eddie’s Garage Sales & Service. Lala was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of America.  She served 10 years in the Texas Silver Haired Legislature voted in by the community to represent five counties, and during her tenure served on the National Congress Silver Haired Legislature in Washington, DC. Lala read at church weekly; she was a member of the Water Board, having previously served as President, Vice-President and Secretary.  Lala was Mayor Pro-tem for two years and served as a City Council member.  She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, AARP, Spanish American Genealogical Association of Corpus Christi, Rosary Society, Spanish Choir, American Red Cross, and was Vice President of the American Cancer Society.

Lala was honored with multiple awards from multiple organizations throughout her lifetime. Sources conclude Lala was the first Hispanic woman to hold a public office in the City of Freer.  She was nominated in the year 2000 to the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame for her remarkable levels of achievement whose contributions made a significant impact throughout the great State of Texas.  Also in the year 2000, she was given a Proclamation by the City of Freer. In addition, The Texas Senate gave Lala a Proclamation signed by Judith Zaffarini, and The House of Representatives gave her a Proclamation signed by Ryan Guillan.  Survivors include two sons: Nicolas Cantu of Freer, TX and Edmundo “Eddie” (Anna) Cantu of Mission, TX; two daughters: Irma (Rene) Garza of League City, TX and Oralia Selena (Dr. Ray) Garza of Taft, TX; one brother; Eulogio (Aida) Espinoza, Jr. of Freer, TX; two sisters: Aminta (Guadalupe “Wally”) Gonzalez and Minerva Lichtenberger both of Freer, six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding in death is her husband Edmundo Antonio Cantu; her parents; a granddaughter: Mia Noelani Garza; and a brother: Ovidio Espinoza.
Visitation will begin Wednesday, September 29, 2010, 3:00 PM at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in San Diego, TX. A rosary will be held the same evening, 7:00 PM at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, September 30, 2010, 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Freer, TX. Burial will follow at Hahl Cemetery in Freer, TX. Pallbearers will be Eddie Cantu, Ray Garza, Wally Gonzales, Jr., Rene Garza, Mike Collins and Paul Carrales.
Services entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home in Sinton, TX.

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