Petition to Honor the Legacy of Lily Cantú

October 23, 1990 - November 4, 2010

We, the Denton Community, support the naming of a park, park trail, or playground in an existing park, in honor of Librada “Lily” Rose Cantú. This letter is signed by those who wish to see her legacy of loving service to young children perpetuated within the Denton community.

Why Librada (Lily) Rose Cantú should be considered for the name of a city park, trail, or playground:

Denton High School Counselor, Ms. Doretha Hudspeth, shared in a very concise and succinct way Lily’s most passionate and profound signature trait: “…she just enjoyed helping other people.” (DRC, A Life of Service Ended too Soon, November 8, 2010)

Shortly before her tragic accident in Peru, Lily wrote an email to her mom (Barbara) and her dad (John). In it, she expresses how much she misses and loves her parents, “especially during the upcoming holiday…But, I still love it here.” Her commitment to serving the children in Chaclacayo, who many might consider the least among us, did not waver, even as she was far away and homesick.

It is clear Lily was preparing for a life of service and there is no explanation as to why that life was cut short. The DRC says it best: “There is no meaningful solace and peace to those who miss her so today.”

It is up to us, the living, to perpetuate the memory of God’s gift to us all of this beautiful and compassionate human being. A park such as the one dedicated to our friend, Dr. G. Roland Vela, would be a fitting memorial to Lily Cantú. It would serve as an inspiration to the young and not-so-young, present and future generations of our Denton community. Lily left her earthly home with an incredible legacy of commitment and dedication to her Christian values and the sanctity of human life. Naming a park, trail, or playground after Lily Cantú would be a meaningful way to remind us all to continue the good work that Lily began.

Without any intent to add strength to this nomination, Mariana Cantú, at the memorial remembering her sister, expressed her gratitude to friends and family thusly:

“Lily didn’t realize what a great impact she was making. My sister merely sought to walk into the world and do the right thing over and over again. This is what she did with her life. This is what she would want you to do with yours.”