Alisa Joan Cancino

Mrs. Alisa Joan (Fagerquist) Cancino, age 53, of Kingwood, passed away Friday morning, July 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Alisa was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Linda Fagerquist of Kingwood. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Gabriel Cancino and their three sons, Lennon, Benicio and Max. Alisa is also survived by her brother Andrew Fagerquist and his wife Christine of Spring and their children as well as brother Allan Fagerquist and his wife Karen of Kingwood and their children.
Alisa was born April 6, 1972 on the island of Aruba where her father had been working for the ESSO Refinery. They lived on the island for a total of 10 years, during which she participated in many island traditions, such as Carnival. The family returned to the United States in 1978, settling in Kingwood, Texas, where Alisa had a colorful and festive childhood filled with great memories and lifelong friendships.
After HS graduation in 1990, Alisa Attended Sam Houston State University where she met her husband Gabe and earned degrees in education and Library Science. She began her career in Aldine ISD and then taught for several years at her alma maters Elm Grove Elementary and then as librarian at Creekwood Middle School.
Alisa was full of life, joy, positivity and laughter. She had a quick wit and loved to laugh and make those around her happy. She never backed away from an adventure and was never afraid to try something new. She always assumed and saw the best in everyone she knew.
Alisa loved spending time at the beach. The ocean reminded her of Aruba and Cape Cod, where she spent summers as a child visiting her Massachusetts family. One of her favorite spots was South Padre Island where she could watch the sunsets and the fireworks. Every summer, she made it a point to gather her family and as much extended family as could make it and spend time together on the island.
Her greatest joy and loves in her life were her children. She was a loving mother who left her sons with a sense of compassion, warmth and adventure. She had a tremendous amount of faith and belief in their potential and in their lives. She was their biggest fans at ball games, band concerts, theatre performances, livestock shows, and life.
Alisa took on the job of fighting cancer with resolve, strength and dignity. She lived every minute of life radiating love and positivity.
Her family and friends will gather at Darst Funeral Home on Saturday July 26 at 12:00 pm for a memorial service.
Darst Funeral Home - 700 Russell Palmer Rd. Kingwood, TX. 77339