Eberta Pena Cardoza

Eberta Pena Cardoza, age 92, of Harker Heights, Texas, peacefully entered the presence of the Lord on January 10, 2025. Born on April 19, 1932, in Tamaulipas, Mexico, she was the cherished daughter of Refugio and Anita Pena. Eberta, affectionately known as Berta, found her lifelong partner in retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Epifanio Cardoza, whom she married on November 3, 1957. Together, they shared a beautiful journey of 49 years, building a loving family and a rich life filled with cherished memories. Her warm spirit and devotion to family will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Berta was a devout Catholic, and her faith guided her daily life, filling her home with warmth and love. As a housewife, she dedicated herself to creating a nurturing environment for her family. Among her many passions, sewing brought her joy. However, it was cooking that truly brought her spirit to life. Her famous Spanish rice was a beloved staple in their household, filling the air with a rich aroma and bringing everyone together around the table. Each dish she prepared reflected her love, making every meal a cherished experience for her family. What she cherished most of all, however, was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Epifanio; her son, Baby Boy Cardoza; her sisters, Guadalupe Garcia and Abelia Paredes; and her brothers, Mario and Humberto Pena. She is survived by her children: Benjamin Cardoza and his wife Janet of Harker Heights, Irene Krzywonski and her husband Scott of Harker Heights, and Armando Reyes of Alton, TX. Additionally, she is survived by her sisters, Elida Pena, Enedelia Ramirez, and San Juanita Ochoa, as well as her brother Ovidio Pena. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers for her service will be Eric Preston, John (Chris) Moseley, Chris Frogge, Jarrod Ryan, Brant Ridley, and Angel Villafranco.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to aids/nurses Kawahna, Nikko, and Carol from Baylor Scott & White Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness over the past several months. We would also like to express our gratitude to Janet Cardoza for her love, time, and dedication to our beloved “Grandma Cardoza” over the past several years. Your unwavering patience and care mean so much to us, and the family cannot thank you enough.

A visitation for Mrs. Cardoza will be held Monday, January 27, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, TX. The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM.

The Mass of Christian Burial is on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St Paul's Chong Hasang Catholic Church in Harker Heights, TX. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 PM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.