Sylvia Cardenas

February 23, 2022

Sylvia was born June the tenth 1936 to the late Jesus A. Cardenas and Hilaria G. Cardenas in McAllen, Texas. She had an Idyllic childhood in Old Linn, Texas surrounded by family and she recounted this time in her life to all who would lend an ear. She spent her formative years in McAllen where she graduated from McAllen High School. Sylvia loved the piano and this led her to Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio where she studied music. While in San Antonio, She found her calling in Nursing and received her degree from the University of the Incarnate Word School of Nursing. In the summer of 1959, Sylvia took on her defining role when she became "Tia" for the first time and then again in 1960, and 1962. Her commitment to serve her fellow man and her devotion to Christ culminated in joining The Sisters of Divine Providence. As a member of the Order, she worked in hospitals and public health systems at the bedside and in leadership positions in Floresville, Edinburg, Brownsville, and Rio Grande City Texas. She remained steadfastly "Tia". She was "Tia" to one and all who knew her. Later, she received her Masters Degree in Nursing from UTHSCSA and served as a School Nurse in both San Antonio and McAllen. Throughout her life, she volunteered and belonged to many civic organizations and was a stalwart at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in McAllen. She traveled extensively and made pilgrimages to the Holy Land and Holy sites. Later in life, she became a Carmelite in the Secular Order of the Saint Miriam of Jesus Crucified where she led by example. Her life was exemplary in all facets. Tia was called to her heavenly home on February 23, 2022. She was preceded in death by her Parents, Hilaria G. and Jesus A. Cardenas, her brother Ruben R. Cardenas, and her nephew, Oscar R. Cardenas all of McAllen. Sylvia is survived by Dardanella G. Cardenas, her nephew Dr. Carlos J. Cardenas (Chris) of McAllen, her niece Diana C. Albrecht (Cecil) of Boerne, TX, six grand nephews and nieces and extended family on all sides. Mass will be 10AM March 9 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, preceded by a Rosary at 9:15AM. In lieu of flowers donations in memory are appreciated to: The Little Flower Administration Office ATTN: Provence 824 Kentucky Ave. San Antonio, TX 78201 Checks payable to Discalced Carmelite Fathers. http://www.littleflowerbasilica.org/