Deborah “Debbie” Cantu, 71, of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026 in Groves, Texas with her daughters and father by her side. Debbie was born on May 15, 1954 in Dallas, Texas, and spent the majority of her life in Southeast Texas.
She devoted her life to caring for others and sharing love wherever she went. When her oldest daughters were young, she opened her home to care for children. She later attended nursing school and found her calling as a home health nurse for thirty years. Her patients adored her and took her in like family. When she wasn’t caring for others, she could be found cooking, gardening, antiquing, crafting, reading her daily devotions, spending time with her family, or drinking a coke or sweet tea. She kept us all on our toes with her sass, her feisty spirit, and a sense of humor that kept everyone laughing. Debbie was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Mineola, Texas. She walked closely with the Lord each day and reflected the love of Jesus in the way she lived and treated others.
Debbie is survived by her father, James Schafer, Sr., of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas; daughters, Bridget Piazza and husband, Allen, of Groves, Texas, Brandi Hennard and husband, Zac, of Eagle River, Alaska, and Victoria Hanley, and husband, Taylor, of Buda, Texas; brother, James Schafer, Jr., and wife, Carol, of Killeen, Texas; seven grandchildren, Kourtnie Gilbert, Kolby Gilbert, Gabriel Piazza, Carter Hennard, Hannah Hennard, Jamey Hanley, and Jensen Hanley; and four great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her mother, Billie Schafer, and great granddaughter, Kristine “Krissy” Jones.
She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile that brightened every room, the light of Christ that radiated through her life, and the selfless love she poured into everyone around her. She was a true gift from the Lord, and her loss leaves an emptiness in our hearts that will remain until we meet again.
Please join the family in celebrating her life on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Courtyard located on 4321 Lincoln Avenue in Groves, Texas from 5:30pm-8:30pm. We encourage everyone to wear blue and white, in honor of her love for Blue Willow dishes.
William’s Florist in Groves, Texas will be available for all floral needs.