Erin Rene Cardenas

Erin Rene Cardenas passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, at St. David's Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 13, 1976, in Austin, Texas, Erin lived her life with strength and faith, before facing an extended illness with unwavering courage and grace.

Erin, beloved daughter of William and Rene Abel, is preceded in death by her grandparents, Derald and Betty Bauhs, and Harris and Virginia Slaughter; her uncle, Ed Harmon; her aunt, Shari Volek; and her cousins, Mechelle Volek and Mickey Bauhs.

She is survived by her childhood sweetheart and devoted husband of 31 years, Ruben Cardenas; their children, Naomi, Isaac, Isaiah, Rebecca, and Abel; her siblings, Lance (Christie) Abel and Allison (David) Shugart, along with their families; her brother-in-law Ben (Irene) Cardenas; and her aunts and uncles, Cynthia Harmon, Joe (Patty) Bauhs, Mike (Kathleen) Bauhs, Tammy Davis, Calvin Volek, and her second mother, Gloria Perez.

Erin leaves behind a legacy of love shared with her nieces and nephews, Madison (Christian) Van Nover, Peyton Abel, Morgan Abel, Cameron Shugart, Cooper Shugart, Austin Cardenas, Timothy Cardenas, and Abraham (Ayshia) Cardenas; her first cousins, Rechelle (Jimmy) Parker, Amy (Jay) Barnwell, Kimberly Young, Eddie (Michele) Harmon, Jon (Mindy) Harmon, Ashley (Josh) Wayman, Bryana (Kasey) Smith, Chris (Dacia) Bauhs, Brandi Bauhs, Jennifer Cargil, Sibyl (Wayne) Jordan, and Jenny Rutherford; her special friend and co-worker, Cheryl Meade; as well as a host of extended cousins and dear relatives who enriched her beautiful life.

A graduate of Del Valle High School's class of 1996, Erin dedicated herself to her family as a loving wife and nurturing mother. After raising five wonderful children, she went back to school to become a Certified Nurse's Aide at Austin Community College. Erin's work at West Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and St. David's North Austin Medical Center was marked by her calm and comforting demeanor, meticulous attention to detail, and her commitment to providing excellent care. Throughout her career, she was trusted and appreciated by both her patients and coworkers.

Erin was a devoted member of Stoney Point Fellowship Church in Del Valle, Texas, where she worshipped alongside her brothers and sisters in Christ, led by Pastor Cedric Burdett and her husband, Co-Pastor Ruben Cardenas. Erin served the Lord and the church as First Lady and Pastor's Wife and contributed many hours to the kitchen and finance committees. In addition to the love of her family and church, her steadfast faith in God's love, a cornerstone of her life, provided her comfort and assurance as she left her earthly life.

Erin loved seafood, whether it was a catfish dinner or a crawfish boil, especially if shared in the company of friends and family. She also loved to cook and anyone who was ever fortunate enough to try her enchiladas didn’t want the recipe; they just wanted to know how soon she would make them again (and could they be invited)! Beyond cooking, Erin found relaxation through crocheting and bargain hunting on shopping trips with her daughters.

Erin's warmth, kindness, and humor endeared her to everyone she met. Her smile brought cheer, and her eyes sparkled with mischief and joy. Erin's strength and resilience were demonstrated throughout her life as she overcame significant challenges, including a serious car accident several years ago that left her severely injured. Not only did she recover, but she was also up and walking within twelve months, defying all expectations. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness and courage.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Erin's life will be held on September 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, located at 14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660. Internment will take place at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm with a livestream available at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26099728212259

For those who wish to honor Erin's memory, donations may be made to a charity of their choice.

The family would like to extend thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. David's Medical Center for their exceptional care during Erin's prolonged health journey. They also wish to thank everyone who visited, prayed, and supported Erin and her family during these last few difficult months.

We will hold Erin and her remarkable spirit close in our hearts, knowing she leaves behind a legacy of warmth, compassion, and unwavering faith that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Serving as pallbearers will be Isaac Cardenas, Abel Cardenas, Isaiah Cardenas, Peyton Abel, Austin Cardenas, Abraham Cardenas, Cameron Shugart and Cooper Shugart.