Martha Jane McCann Cadena

She was known to all as Penny, nicknamed for her devotion to her favorite aunt Catherine, who went by "Cash". [Get it?]

Penny grew up in Webster Groves, MO, with her younger sisters, Mary Jackonette ("Jackie"), Ambrosia ("Susie"), and Margaret, ("Nicki"). This family was all about the nickname. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Susie Brady.

After graduating from Webster Groves High School in 1957, Penny attended St. John's Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1960 as a Registered Nurse. At St. John's Hospital, she met her future husband, Dr. Ramiro C. Cadena, and spent the majority of her life in San Antonio.

Penny loved to bake, and probably made thousands of cookies for her children and their friends, who affectionately referred to her as “Mrs. C.” She was known for her breads, but once anyone had her pie crust...people were ruined for any other pie. Between the baking and six children, plus their activities and friends at the house, to this day, we can't quite understand how she juggled all of us.

Penny was always a willing volunteer at the schools her kids attended. She was a room mother, was involved in PTA, and volunteered in the library and nurse’s office. She taught CCD while a member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church, and in later years volunteered weekly to make sandwiches for the homeless and sewed masks during COVID. She was also an election poll worker for many years. Penny gave very generously to the charities and causes that touched her heart.

Penny is survived by her six children, Don, Martha, Jeanine, Jim (Amy), Peggy and Patty. She is also survived by three grandsons, Martha’s son Devin, Jim and Amy’s son Weston, and Patty’s son James. She also deeply loved the community of her yoga family at Method Wellness.

The family gratefully acknowledges the compassionate care of AllCare, Inc., and Methodist Hospice, which allowed her dignity and comfort in her final weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society, in the name of Martha "Penny" Cadena.

The family will be greeting guests on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Porter Loring North.

Rest well, Mom. We will see you again someday.