Minerva Esther Cano, 80, of Winnebago, Illinois, passed away on January 20, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 18, 1944, in Donna, Texas, to Sixto and Juanita (Prado) Hernandez. In July 1962, she married Pedro Cano Jr.

Minerva was an avid reader who loved traveling to visit family and cherished spending time with her kids, family and friends. She had a passion for growing flowers, dancing, cooking, cross-stitching, writing letters to her grandchildren, playing Lotería, and was a devout Catholic.

She was a devoted member of the Legion of Mary, where she dedicated her time to praying at homes, correctional institutions, hospitals and anywhere prayer was needed. In her early years, Minerva worked as a migrant laborer alongside her parents and family, traveling across many states. Eventually, she settled in Sycamore, Illinois, where she built her life.

Later in life, Minerva worked at a children's learning center, where she found joy in reading to the children. She also worked as a telephone operator at Contel Inc., where she made many lifelong friends. Minerva helped establish Conexion Comunidad, a community center in DeKalb, IL, dedicated to supporting the Hispanic community through educational workshops, social events, and services that fostered belonging and connection. Her final role was as a health caseworker for Dekalb County helping develop personalized care plans for women.  And served as an advocate for their needs to ensure they received the appropriate medical treatment and support services. Also serving as a translator for the Hispanic community.

Minerva is survived by her husband Pedro Cano Jr., her sons Jaime Cano (Angela), Eliazar Cano (Kathleen), Richard Cano (Lysa), her daughter Theresa Mackenzie (Craig), her granddaughters Alejandra Cano (Zakk) and Lola Cano, her grandsons Eloy Cano (Holly), Justin Cano (Kaylah), Jaryn Cano, Daniel Ponce, Bryan Cano, Jamin Cano (Jennifer), Cruz Cano, 10 great grandchildren, her brothers Lorenzo Hernandez (Victoria), Eduardo Hernandez, Eloy Hernandez (Connie), her sisters Vicenta Nieto, Eloisa Bryant, Noelia H. Mata (Ron), Diana Snodgrass (Robert), Melissa Jordan (Leon), and Dona Smith.

Minerva was preceded in death by her parents Sixto Hernandez and Juanita Hernandez, her daughter Norma Linda Cano, her brothers Robert Hernandez, Neal Bryant, Sixto Hernandez Jr., Daniel Hernandez, her sisters Shirley Hernandez and Delia Hernandez.

Minerva's visitation will be on Friday, January 31st from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the St. Mary Church, 322 Waterman St., Sycamore, IL.  A funeral mass will begin at 1:00 PM.  A luncheon will follow the mass at the Parish Hall.

Burial will take place on Saturday, February 1st at 11:30 AM at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Sycamore.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS): A national nonprofit that funds research, patient services, and education to cure blood cancers or UnidosUS: A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that serves as the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization.

To sign the online guest book, go to http://www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com