Susana Canales

Susana Maldonado Canales was born May 24, 1931 in Eagle Pass, Texas to Maria Flores Maldonado and Albino Maldonado.  She graduated from Eagle Pass High School in 1949.  She began her career in Eagle Pass working at a local clothing store and then a bank.  She worked at the May Company in Los Angeles, California

She married Alfonso Aviles Canales on February 7, 1954 at Our Lady of Refuge Church in Eagle Pass.  She moved to Uvalde and worked at Lintz Department Store.  She then began a long tenure working at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Uvalde and San Antonio, eventually retiring in 1986.

Susana was a long-time parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  Her children Judy, Jerome, and John attended and graduated from Sacred Heart School.

She was a member of the Holy Name Society, served as its treasurer, and received the Holy Name Society Outstanding Service Award in 2016.

She served as the leader of the Sacred Heart School Girl Scout troops beginning with Brownies through Senior Girl Scouts.  She served on the board of the El Camino Girl Scout Council where she had the opportunity to represent Uvalde and the surrounding rural counties.

Later, she enjoyed serving as a volunteer in the St. Henry de Oso afterschool education program teaching young children to read.

Through her volunteer efforts, Susana supported opportunities for children and youth to grow and learn through education and community service.  Earlier this year, Susana shared with her daughter Judy the following reflection about her life’s purpose stating, “I always wanted to help people.” She imparted to her children her love of education through her comment, “I loved school and I always loved to learn.”

Susana is survived by her daughter, Judith A. Canales and spouse Juan Antonio Tovar Jr. of Eagle Pass; Son, Jerome Canales of Uvalde, and Son, John Canales and spouse Debbie, and Grandson, Thomas John Canales of San Antonio; sister, Juanita Gonzales of Eagle Pass; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Susana is preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Monday, September 6, 2021 – 7 p.m. – The vigil, Monday, September 6, 2021 followed by the rosary. Prayers recited by Deacon Freddy Flores.  The rosary by John Aviles. A Mass of Christian Burial  for Susana Canales will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Uvalde, Texas. Lectors:  Thomas John Canales and Iza Ibarra Marcrum. Music:  Cecilia Martinez.

Pall Bearers were Arnold Canales, Mando Torres, Joe Arizmendi, Alex Alvarez, Fred Alvarez, and Willie Garcia III.