Maggie Cantu

A sparkle for life that kept her family on their toes, Maggie Cantu was truly the matriarch of her family. She cherished her husband, children and grandchildren and taught them unconditional love not only through her words but her actions. Her passing will leave a void in the hearts, minds and souls of all that loved her.

Maria Magdalena Ramirez was born on July 22, 1934 in the small town of Weslaco Texas to Armando and Teophila Ramirez and was brought up in a traditional household along with her siblings Alex, Lorrie, Joel and Grace where family, faith and hard work were virtues that were instilled in her as a youth and something that she held very dear throughout her life. These virtues were lessons that she would pass onto her children and grandchildren over the years.

While a teenager she met Eloy Cantu. Though she was too young to have a boyfriend by her grandmother’s standards she and Eloy would write letters to each other. They lived only 6 blocks from each other and when she turned 16 they would begin to date and eventually be married. Together they would raise their 5 children: Cindy, Eloy, Deena, Elma and Lynda in a loving and caring home.

The family made their way to Kalamazoo in 1964 for job opportunities. While Eloy worked at the General Motors plant, Maggie would stay home with the kids until it was time for her to enter the workforce where she became a secretary for the Michigan Education Association. Raising 5 kids was no easy task and she would later often joke that the way she got through the teenage years was with a glass of wine and some peanuts. She also attributed her youthful appearance to this dietary staple.

Maggie was generous and giving and always there for others in need. If she wasn’t helping with money or material objects then she was there in prayer. She would often sense when a family member was in need and would pray the Novena Prayer. She didn’t dwell over material items as she knew that the earth was really God’s and she was just a care taker of the blessings that God had bestowed upon her.

She and Eloy loved to travel and have been to Europe, Hawaii and many other places. They had a love affair that lasted nearly 70 years and they enjoyed their circle of friends from St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. She was a deep thinker as she would immerse herself in writings from authors such as Ralph Waldo Emmerson and Peter Kreeft. She enjoyed a good movie and shared her love of the theatre with her grandchildren. She practiced yoga and was current on the political scene as she was a life long democrat. She was stylish, classy and a beautiful person both in appearance and in her inner self. The lessons that she taught her family by her words, deeds and actions will be a lasting legacy that will be cherished by generations that will follow.

Maggie Cantu died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Members of her family include her husband Eloy; 4 children: Cindy Cantu, Eloy (Marcia) Cantu, Deena Cantu-LaPres, Elma (Chris) Donner; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; 3 siblings: Alex Ramirez, Lorrie Bruno, and Joel Cortez. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lynda “Georgie” Cantu; along with a sister, Grace Sul; and a grandson, Timothy Cretsinger. Cremation has taken place. Mass will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 West Centre, Portage. The family will receive guest one hour prior to the service and at a lunch in the church hall. Visit Maggie’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.