Salome Cadena

Salome Cadena, age 86, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025. She was born in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico, to parents Trinidad Soto and Maria Galindo, and grew up on a farm in Presidio, Texas.

Salome was united in marriage to Domingo Cadena on March 15, 1958. Together, they raised a large and loving family in Artesia, New Mexico, and in Arizona. Salome dedicated her professional life to several years of service as a cafeteria worker at Tolleson Union High School, a role she cherished deeply. In her retirement, she focused on her faith, family, and community. A devout member of St. William Catholic Church, she was a catechism teacher and a proud servant of the church, helping where she could. Her unwavering spirit and kind heart touched many lives.

Salome had a loving yet strong personality, known for her famous phrase, “Thru God, al this are possible. Where there is a will, there is a way.” (si se puede). She had an extraordinary ability to make the most of everything she had, always extending her generosity to others even when she had little to give. Her spirit of service was evident in every aspect of her life, from working in the fields to serving her church.

She loved spending time with family, dancing, playing dominoes (she was the Queen of Dominos), and gardening. She was passionate about her yard and home, always taking pride in maintaining them with care. Salome was also known for her love of music, particularly gospel, Freddy Fender, and Vicente Fernandez, as well as her fondness for classic TV shows like The Lawrence Welk Show and The Beverly Hillbillies. She had a special fondness for making tamales, menudo, and red enchiladas, and enjoyed her daily cup of coffee.

Her proudest accomplishments were her children, her deep faith, and her lifelong commitment to serving others. She was a teacher, a leader in her community, and an example of strength and resilience. She received her Catechetical Certificate from St. William's Church, as well as a Certificate of Commissioning in recognition of her service in the Catechetical Program in 2006 and 2007. Salome was also a certified minister for the Diocese of Phoenix.

She is survived by her children, Olga Romero, Thomas Cadena, Pricilla (Steve) Garcia, Louis Cadena, Irma (Joseph) Perez, Patricia (Vincent) Cano, Danny (Sandra) Cadena, Domingo (Mickie) Cadena Jr., Rosario (Putra) Som, and Annabel Cadena; 25 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Armando Soto.

Salome was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband of 60 years, Domingo Cadena.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, Arizona 85338. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM at the same location.

Salome’s family invites all who knew her to celebrate her life and the love she shared with so many. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.