Irene Cardena

Irene, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed peacefully at home at the age of 83 following a five year battle with dementia. 

She was born in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico to Laureano and Esperanza Cardena. The eldest of five: Laureano, Gloria, Silvia, and Esperanza; married and had her son Luis by the age of 22. In 1970, at the age of 30, she came to the U.S. in search of the American Dream. Settling in Los Angeles, California she worked in the textile industry as a seamstress. Her sister Silvia joined her shortly after in 1972 and in 1975 she met her second husband moving from Los Angeles to the San Fernando Valley. In 1980 she joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she would hold numerous callings including Relief Society President, Teacher, Young Women Counselor, and Primary Teacher. At the age of 42 she welcomed her daughter, Hope. Irene's passion for working with her hands made her an avid gardener, cook, and an amazingly skilled seamstress. Her passion, talent, and skill lead her to have a career spanning from production work to sample making, wedding dresses, lingerie and most notably a career as a Costumer in the Motion Picture Industry where she worked on Soap Operas, Theater productions, and Movies. She remained active in her retirement by helping care for her three youngest grandchildren, sewing, and volunteering at the local Senior Center.  Irene's joyful smile, zest for life, and green eyes continued to win the hearts of those she met even into her final days.  

Irene is survived by her daughter Hope, son-in-law Brian, their children Audrey, Abby, Allen her son Luis, daughter-in-law Martha and their children Robert and Laura, and her sisters Silvia, Esperanza, and Gloria.