Irene ""Nena"" Cantu Thomas

Irene Nena Cantu Thomas, 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep Saturday, June 15, 2013, at her home in Brownsville, Texas surrounded by her loving family.

Nena was a lifetime resident of Brownsville having been born here in September of 1924 to Guadalupe Cantu and Luisa Trevio Cantu both of Brownsville.

She was preceded in death by a son, Gary Thomas her parents a sister, Celie Alcala and a brother, Guadalupe Lupe Lopez.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years Henry Thomas her daughter, Elizabeth Hogan and husband Barry from Houston, Texas and sons, Paul Thomas from Brownsville and John Wayne Thomas and wife Susan from Aledo, Texas her grandchildren: Danika Boyle from Austin, Amanda Thomas from Fort Worth, Jarrod Thomas and wife Pascaline from Dallas, and Alyssa Thomas from Dallas. She was blessed with one greatgrandson Charlie Boyle. Nena also leaves behind her sister Ester Hinojosa, and three brothers, Ramon Cantu from Brownsville, Oscar Cantu from San Antonio, and Joe Cantu from Houston along with many nieces and nephews.

She was a loving mother dedicated to her husband, her children, her grandchildren and family. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by her family and all those fortunate to have known her.

In accordance with her wishes she will be cremated. There will be a private family service at a later date.

Nenas family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Lilly Ramirez, Nenas caregiver the past two years, for all she did for their beloved wife and mother.