Delfina Torres Cantu's Obituary
Delfina T. Cantu, much beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed peacefully into the arms of the angels on the 10th of September 2025, in Carrollton, Texas. Delfina was born to the late Robert Cadena Torres and Encarnacion Rocha Torres on the 23rd of November 1929, in Itasca, TX. She grew up on a cotton farm in Hill County before her family moved to Dallas.
Delfina first met her future husband, Roy G. Cantu, when she was 8 years old. Roy and Delfina both completed the 8th grade from the Dallas Public Schools in 1944. Delfina had been awarded certificates in reading and writing. Delfina had aspired to become a teacher—and she would have been a wonderful one. In 1944, at just 15 years old, she married Roy Cantu. Rather than pursuing higher education, Delfina and Roy chose to dedicate themselves to building a life together and supporting their loved ones.
Roy and Delfina moved in with Roy’s parents and 7 brothers and sisters. They became one big happy family. Delfina often referred to Betsy Cantu Rodriguez as her “first” baby. This was because Roy’s mother, Ninfa Cantu, was working long hours at their business, Cantu Cleaners & Alterations. When Betsy would cry, Delfina would pick her up and take care of her. Delfina’s first job was at Skagg’s Pharmacy. There she learned to create wonderful Christmas and Easter baskets, embellished with beautiful bows- a skill passed down to her children, that we all continue to enjoy every holiday and celebration.
In 1960, Delfina and Roy opened their very own tailor shop. Delfina handled customers, readied clothing for alterations, managed the finances, and prepared daily hot lunches. Each day, they shared breakfast, commuted together, worked all day, had lunch, and returned home together. Once home, Delfina made dinner, cleaned up, did laundry, cared for the kids—then repeated the routine with her husband for over 60 years. They were very successful through the years. Their reputation for quality work spread far and wide, so much so that they often had to close the tailor shop to the public for private appointments to the likes of John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Lee Trevino, to name a few celebrities.
Delfina Cantu was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and was an active member of the Ladies Circle at the church. She also volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader. Her one moment of notoriety came or almost came, in 1963. She had been selected to serve at a Presidential luncheon and had been assigned to the President’s table.
Delfina valued education. She and her husband, Roy, wanted all their children to have a Catholic education – a strong foundation. They often told us that, “People come and go; people can take the material things from you, but they can never take your education. So long as you have your education and health, you will always be successful.”
Delfina was a loving partner to Roy for 81 years. They welcomed six beautiful children into this world. Together, they faced life’s many challenges, emerging with a deeper understanding of commitment, family, and forgiveness. Their enduring legacy is the family they built together. Delfina is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Cadena Torres and Encarnacion Rocha Torres; two sisters, Eloisa and Petra; and her children, Frank Cantu, Roy Cantu, Jr., Robert Cantu and Mary Alice Cantu. She is survived by her husband, Roy G. Cantu, daughters, Amelia Rhodes (James), Debra Smith (Robin), and daughter-in law, Cathy Cantu; grandchildren, Esther Ramadan (Samer), Frank Rhodes (Rachel), Vida Ellen Rhodes, Roy Cantu III (Julie), Amie Hinderliter (Don), Lorie Cantu, Carie Vize (Jeremy), Christopher Smith (Ami), Jonathan Smith (Anh), Michael Smith (Jennifer), and Stacie Perry (Justin). Delfina is also survived by 16 beautiful great-grandchildren, Justin Cantu, Ryan Cantu, Kian Ramadan, Noah Ramadan, Erik Rhodes, Cooper Rhodes, Harry Hinderliter, Harper Hinderliter, Audra Smith, Alexander Smith, Jacob Smith, Joanna Smith, Blaine Smith, Cade Smith, Sahren Smith and Baby Boy Vize (due in October).
She is greatly missed by her family who remember her as a very kind and generous person.
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