Theresa Marie Cantu

Theresa "Terry" Marie Cantu (nee Perez) passed peacefully from this earthly realm on March 8th, 2025, at the age of 73, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Spring, Texas. Terry was born October 19th, 1951 in Houston, Texas to Virginia May and Henry Perez. The third child, and the oldest daughter, Terry would become a caretaker to her younger siblings, a role which she embraced throughout her life. Terry was raised in various neighborhoods on the north side of Houston. Terry would eventually meet the father of her only child, daughter Rachael May Smith, while working at a diner. After a tumultuous relationship, they would eventually split. After this parting of ways, Terry would reconnect with a young love that would become the love of her life, Richard Cantu. Terry was known for her love of horror movies (but not too gory), slot machines (both real and virtual), fishing, owls, Animal Crossing, and Zelda video games. She was a proud and loving grandmother, who doted on all of her grandkids.
Terry is preceded in death by the love of her life, husband Richard Paul Cantu and her oldest brother, Richard Henry Perez. Terry is survived by her loving daughter Rachael May Wood, her beloved son-in-law Daniel Alan Wood, her four grandchildren Sarah Elizabeth Wood, Holly Marie Wood, Melanie May Wood, and Mark Richard Wood; her brother Mark Anthony Perez (wife Anniebeth Perez); her sisters, Paula Jo Motal (partner Jim Lithgow), Donna Scott (husband Jeremy Scott), and Patty Renee Stehlik (husband Robert Stehlik); sister-in-law Susan Perez; and numerous nieces and nephews.
As per Terry's request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Terry will be interred with her dearly departed husband, Richard, in the Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests you instead make a donation in her honor to the American Kidney Fund.