Maria Del Carmen Cardenas

Maria Cardenas, also known as Carmela, passed away on September 23, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas at the age of 73. She was born on July 15, 1951, in Chihuahua, Mexico, to Eusebio Mendoza and Emilia Aranda. Carmela was a dedicated mother and grandmother who cherished spending time with her family and had a particular fondness for enjoying a cup of coffee outdoors.

Until her retirement in 2018, Carmela worked with Girling Health Care, where she was known for her ability to win over challenging clients with her charm and culinary skills. She was a familiar face at Michoacana Meat Market. Carmela took great pleasure in cooking for others, specializing in dishes such as flour tortillas, tamales, pinto beans, Mexican breakfast, enchiladas, and sweet tea. Her sweet tea was especially renowned, and her neighbors often requested a glass. Additionally, she enjoyed crafting, particularly crocheting booties for holidays, coloring, embroidery, tending to her rose garden, and cultivating plants on her patio, including her prized cilantro chili.

Carmela was a fan of watching novelas and was known for her lively presence at social gatherings, where she could often be found dancing. She possessed a generous spirit, a great sense of humor, and had a knack for making others laugh with her witty remarks. Carmela's love for family gatherings, especially BBQs, was evident, and she particularly enjoyed having her children together. Sundays were reserved for enjoying barbacoa for breakfast.

Carmela is now reunited with her parents, Emilia Aranda and Eusebio Mendoza, siblings, Pedro De La Cruz, Carlos De La Cruz, Guillermo De La Cruz, Maria De Refugio De La Cruz, and her grandson Noah Santos Cardenas. She is survived by her children Jaime (Yvonne) Cardenas, Carmela (Marcus) Williams, Jose (Tiffany) Cardenas, Edward Petri; grandchildren John David Cardenas, Olivia Williams, Diego Cardenas, Mariah Williams, Genesis Cardenas, Skylar Williams, Amaya Cardenas, Scarlett Cardenas; siblings Eusebio (Olga) Mendoza, David (Alicia) Mendoza, as well as a large extended family and friends.

The family extends special thanks to Emily De La Cruz, Carmela’s niece, for her unwavering support over the past two decades. Carmela's children describe her as a beautiful, kind, and loving individual who instilled these values in them. They recall her perseverance in making a better life for her family, relying on her faith in challenging times, and her selfless nature in helping others.

They express their love for their mother and eagerly await the day they can be reunited. They pledge to honor her legacy by embodying her humble, kind, and loving spirit. Until that day comes, they ask Carmela to watch over from Heaven and reserve a place next to them. Te Amo Madresita… We love you Forever!

Family will receive friends at Memory Gardens Funeral Home on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 p.m. that same evening. A Funeral Service will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

To offer your condolences and share fond memories please view and sign her online guestbook at www.memorygardensfuneralhome.com