Laura Cardenas

It is with profound sadness to inform you Laura Cardenas Hernandez Ramirez, 86 yrs old, a breast cancer survivor passed away peacefully on the morning of October 20, 2026, at her home. A celebration of life service will take place at Ridge Funeral Home, 6620 West Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638.

Born in McAllen, Texas, on December 22, 1939, Laura then moved with her mother and sister to live in Chicago, Illinois on Halsted and Adams street for most of their adolescence. She attended Old St.Patrick's Catholic Parish with her sisters for all her education until graduating high school there. Laura, her sisters, and mother, worked for the church by housekeeping for the clergy to help pay for their own tuition.

Laura joined the workforce even before graduating to help with her family income that began her twenty-year era as a professional secretary. Later her career shifted as a union factory baker for twenty years on third shift at the Nabisco Bakery Plant in Chicago, so she could be a caregiver to her mother, Antonia, and sister, Concha, while supporting her son, Roberto, and her nephew, Jose.

Laura was a born caregiver and would help anyone in need, however she could, by putting them always before herself. She was devoutly Catholic and always had faith she drew her strength from, in Jesus and Mother Mary. Laura's mother, Antonia, later in life suffered a series of strokes that rendered her paralyzed. Laura took care of her at home until she couldn't and spent 2 hours on the bus, each way, and visited her every week for 3 years at a suburban nursing home. She did the same for her autistic sister, Concha, later in her life.

Laura felt whole by giving her full self to her beloved. She was wise and understood people closely. Laura was committed to being an avid donor to cat-sheltering charities, service dog groups for the blind, and American veteran charities. She loved to cook and bake, making tortillas and cornbread from scratch. She was eccentric in her style and was always attracted to vibrant colors. Laura loved ice cream sandwiches and loved wearing scarves and beanies to keep her head warm. She had a presence anywhere she roamed and people had an affinity to adore her.

Laura strongly believed in God and in her family. She shied away from any help to not burden others with her passion of giving. She always believed in the hard way to encounter the honesty in experiences. She had a saintly personality that no one could ever fulfill. She was a living spirit to many and loved sharing her love as God's work. The world has lost a hard-cut diamond. She will be missed and felt for decades to come.

Laura is survived by her son, Roberto. She is also survived by her nephew, Jose, his son, Joaquin, and Joaquin's mother, Annabelle. Also by her sister Paula, her husband Arturo, and their two daughters, Tanya and Kristal. and her children Ethan and Athina. Also by her nephew Scott, his wife, Rosa, and their daughter Kayla. She is also survived by her extended family, Rick, his wife Chris, and their daughter Bella, and their granddaughters Lily and Sofie.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be appreciated.

Memorial Visitation for Laura will be on October 30, 2026, from 4:00 PM. to 8:00 PM., with prayer service starting at 7:00 PM., at Ridge Funeral Home, 6620 West Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638. For information call 773-586-7900 or visit www.ridgefh.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridgefh.com for the Cardenas Family.