We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear and beloved mother, Margarita Cannon. Flor, as she was affectionately known to all, passed on peacefully at home in Laredo, Texas on September 17, 2025 at the age of 87.

Flor was born on June 10, 1938 in San Luis del Cordero, Durango, Mexico. She was the 2nd of 13 children born to Inocente Castillo and Carmen Garcia. Her beloved maternal grandmother, Francisca Vargas nicknamed her “Florecita” because of her name Margarita. Flor did not grow up in Durango as many of you know because the family business took them all over Mexico and eventually, the United States. Such is circus life! Flor began working at the very young age of 7 years old in the family circus, Circo Hermanos Castillo with acts such as contortions, singing, and balancing. Circus life was often difficult and the family endured many hardships. However, as they say in the circus world, “the show must go on!” The Castillo family then settled in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico in the late 1960s and began working in U.S. based circuses like Carson Barnes, Miller Brothers, Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey, and others. Their hard work and ethics earned Flor and her family great respect and comradery among the circus circuit.

While in the U.S. with her younger siblings, Flor met Frank, an adventurous southern boy who joined the circus. They could not be more different and worlds apart, but love won and they married in 1974. Soon, the newly wed couple settled in Nuevo Laredo where they welcomed two daughters. Flor and her little family settled in Laredo to work and for the children to attend school in the U.S. With the exception of a short 4 year time period living in Liberty, Texas, Flor lived the rest of her life in Laredo. For the most part, she was a stay at home mother, very much so devoted not just to her daughters and husband, but to all her nieces, nephews, siblings, and family friends.

Once Flor knew she could step out of her role as a stay-at-home mom, she began working with the Ursuline Sisters in Laredo for 17 years as their house keeper and cook. This was the perfect job for mom as she was a devout Catholic with a huge love and respect for the Ursulines. They in turn loved mom and made her feel almost as if one of them. Long after the convent closed in Laredo and the sisters were disbursed to other convents, Flor kept in touch with them both by phone and letters.

Flor was known to provide care to all. I believe nursing was her true calling but family duties and circumstances did not allow for that kind of education. When she wasn’t cooking up a storm or baking something delicious (best pies, cookies, and banana nut bread ever!) Flor, be found in her yard gardening, in the house sewing or cross stitching, reading (she loved the poetry of Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz), or at church at Santo Niño Catholic Church. She also devoted a lot of her time, attention, love, and care to her siblings up until illness took that ability from her.

Flor is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 33 years, George Franklin Cannon, their baby boy Eugene Mitchell, sisters Catalina Castillo, Hilda Castillo Mehlhoff, Maria del Refugio Castillo, Alicia Castillo, Guadalupe Castillo, brothers Inocente and Roberto Castillo, and her parents Inocente and Carmen Castillo.

She is survived by her daughters Juanita Rena and Ana Margarita Cannon. Also left to cherish her legacy and memory are grandchildren Brandi Guerra Mendoza, Amber and Brandon Guerra, Samantha and Amanda Villa, Victoria Romero, and Jacob Chapa and their partners. Flor’s great grandchildren also meant the world to her and included: Tristen Martinez; Arturo Jr, Andrew, and Azalea Valls; Malory, Kacy, Kehlani Mendoza and baby girl Mendoza due in December. In addition, she is survived by her brother Julio, sisters Gloria Castillo, Ofelia (Alberto +) Macias, Griselda Cannon Cantu, and Maria del Carmen (Servando) Hinojosa along with many beloved nieces, nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests donations to be made toward her beloved brother Julio for his care, daily and living expenses, under the care and direction of our Tia Carmen Hinojosa.

Visitation will be held on September 19, 2025, from 5 PM to 9 PM at Nieto Funeral and Cremations. A Rosary will be celebrated at 7 PM, providing an opportunity for loved ones to come together in prayer and reflection.

A funeral Mass will take place on September 20, 2025, at Santo Niño Catholic Church at 10:00 am. Cremation services will be held at a later date.

Pall bearers: Brandon Guerra, Inocente & Roberto Swim, Javier & Alberto Macias, Jose Cuevas, Rena & Ana Cannon

Funeral arrangements are by Nieto Funerals & Cremations, 3502 US Hwy 83, Laredo, Texas 78046 (956) 723-3723.

For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.nietofuneral.com