Laetitia Cadena

Laetitia was born August 30, 1929 to Aurora and Karl Vanderstay in Monterrey Mexico.

In 1955 Laetitia met the love of her life, Juan, while working at the Ancira Hotel in Monterrey, Mexico. They wed August 24, 1959, going on to have 5 children, Ricardo, Angie, Gretchen, Karla and Erika.

Laetitia loved traveling, shopping, dancing and reading. She loved being a lifelong learner, obtained her GED in 2006 at the age of 77 and continued to take classes at the local community college for many years. She was recognized as being the oldest graduate in Dallas County. Laetitia, along with her husband Juan ran a successful in-home day care for over 40 years. In addition she ran multiple successful in home businesses which included being a seasoned seamstress and skilled presser, a testament to her hard work and tenacity. Another joy of hers was meeting as a family to attend the State Fair of Texas every year. Laetitia was very proud of her German Heritage and was a proud American as she became an American Citizen in 1991.

Laetitia is survived by her husband of 64 years Juan Cadena, Children Aurora Leticia De Jesús García Vanderestay, Ninfa Gonzalita García Vanderestay, Jesus Ramon Cruz Vanderstain (Maria Luisa), Ricardo De Jesús Cadena (Catharine), Angie Jeannette Pepper (Ken), Gretchen Jessica McClendon (John), Karla Letitia Johnson (Matt), Erika Veruschka Estrada (Rick).

Grandchildren Shannon Cadena, Jamie Cadena, Juan Cadena, Jonathan Cadena, Jessica McClendon, Jonathon McClendon, Kye Johnson, Alaina Johnson, Ricky Estrada, Sofia Estrada, Leticia De Jesús Salinas Garcia, Ernesto Valentin Salinas Garcia, Claudia Patricia De León Garcia, Amalia De León Garcia, Blanca Aurora De León Garcia, Abelardo De León Garcia, Ninfa Alejandra De León Garcia, Lidya Yesel Galvan García, Irais Sepulveda García, Leticia de Jesús Cruz Guerrero, Estrella Deyanira Cruz Guerrero, Jesús Ramon Cruz Guerrero, Carlos Alejandro Cruz Guerrero, Ángel Adolfo Cruz Guerrero. She is also survived by numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren whose love and memories will forever cherish the legacy left behind.

The family wishes to thank mom’s special friends Pat and Jerry Mayfield, Melba and Dan Corley, Lynn and Curtis Smith and neighbors Caroline Redenour and Mike Penter.

A visitation for Laetitia will be held Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary to begin at 5:30pm at Calvary Hill Funeral Home, 3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, Texas 75220. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Calvary Hill Main Mausoleum North Chapel, with a interment to follow at 11:30 AM at Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park, 7405 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, Texas 75225.