Clarita Cardenas

Clarita Cardenas was born to Francisco and Victoria De La Cruz on May 17, 1950 in San Marcelino, Dingras, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. She was known by her friends and loved ones as Claring or Lily. She lived in Delano, California and passed away at Mercy Hospital Bakersfield on November 2, 2016 after a short, but aggressive battle with cancer.

Clarita received her Bachelors in Education in the Philippines. In 1971, she moved to Oahu, Hawaii where she worked with her cousin Leoning Esteban at the Dole Cannery. A few years later Clarita and Leoning moved to Los Angeles where Clarita worked at Transamerica Insurance Company. In 1976, Clarita moved to Delano, California to work in the grape fields and it was there that she met her husband, Vicente Cardenas Jr. They were married on October 22, 1977.

They have one daughter, Gayle, who was born on May 14,1978. Clarita was employed by Delano Joint Union High School as an instructional aid. Clarita worked there until her retirement in 2010 after 30 years of loyal service. After her retirement, Clarita cared for her mother while she battled with asthma and COPD until her passing in 2013. Her attention and joy was then for her granddaughter Alison. Clarita enjoyed taking her granddaughter to the park and farmers market where they were known to always come home with a sweet treat. In her free time, Clarita enjoyed cooking, gardening, shopping, and talking to her brothers and sisters on the phone. Her constant faith to God and her prayers in support of others were a testament to her belief in hope, and her will to fear not, as all would be well in the end.

Clarita is survived by her husband, Vicente, her daughter Gayle, son-in-law Eric Lord, and granddaughter Alison. She is preceded in death by her father Francisco, mother Victoria, and brother Silvino.

Clarita was a selfless woman who was dedicated to her family. She would rarely complain, but instead, her friends and family could always rely on her big smile and her infectious laugh. She will be dearly missed.

Services entrusted to Delano Mortuary, a Dignity Memorial Provider.