Minerva M Cardenas

Minerva M. Cardenas, 85, entered into eternal rest on July 20, 2020. Prior to her passing, Mrs. Cardenas celebrated 71 years of marriage to her husband, Juan. The two were married in the state of Arkansas in 1949, but always called Weslaco, TX home. She was a true example of what it means to battle for the sanctity of a marriage union bound and blessed by our Eternal Father. “Ms. Cardenas”--as she is often referred to by her children--understood the meaning of the pain that comes with true love. Although her children and grandchildren were not perfect, she raised them the best she could and loved them all unconditionally--flaws and all. No one else in this world will love her children and grandchildren the way Mrs. Cardenas did. She was the best wife, mother, and grandmother that anyone could ask for, and although her time here on Earth has come to an end, her love remains eternal.


As a young mother and grandmother, Mrs. Cardenas was the epitome of a strict lady. She never wanted to learn that her children or grandchildren ever misbehaved. Throughout their lives, Mrs. Cardenas would emphasize the importance of education to her children and grandchildren, and she always encouraged them to earn high grades in school.


While balancing motherhood, Mrs. Cardenas was also a humble career woman; she worked at the J.S. McManus Produce Company, in the fields, and later managed “Cardenas Drive In Grocery” in Donna, Texas. Mrs. Cardenas was well-known for her tamales, and her children and grandchildren will miss her delicious rice, fideo, mole, and caldo. One of the most valuable lessons Mrs. Cardenas taught her children and grandchildren is the importance of being able to manage their homes. Mrs. Cardenas always believed that it was important for a woman to grow up and have daughters because she believed that one of the responsibilities of a daughter was to care for her mother. For the last five years of her life, her daughter, Christina C. Aguilar, cared for her, took her to doctors’ appointments and on car rides--sometimes all the way to Louisiana with her daughter and son-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Delia and Felix Guajardo. Mrs. Cardenas was also cared for by her daughters Janie and Delia, and her sons, Juan Carlos and Norberto.


Upon her passing, her loved ones find peace and joy in knowing that Mrs. Cardenas has been reunited with her little boy, Procopio Cardenas and daughters Gloria and Louisa. Little Procopio passed away at the age of 4. Mrs. Cardenas was preceded in death by her mother Belen Candanoza Maganas, daughters Louisa Hernandez (Jesse), and Gloria McFarland.


Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Juan, her four daughters and two sons: Delia Guajardo (Felix), Janie Cantu (Pepe), Yolanda Saenz (Hector), Christina C. Aguilar (+Richard), Juan Carlos (J.C.) Cardenas (Gracie), and Norberto (Nerby) Cardenas (Maribel)

Sixteen Grandchildren: Ivan Perez (Hilda), Marla Knaub, Adam Perez (Stevie), Eric Hernandez (Doraly), Jennifer (Jenny) Cardenas, Felix Guajardo, Jr., Laurinda (Laurie) Cardenas, Christopher D. Saenz (Kyrstal), Alexis Hernandez (Laura), Travis Cantu (Clarissa), Janae Cardenas, Monique Chavez (Gesh), Juan Carlos (Jasey) Cardenas, Jr., Adan Cardenas, Bryan A. Cardenas, and Isaac Cardenas

Sixteen Great-Grandchildren: Noah I. Perez, Jeremy J. Perez, Lauren C. Perez, Emma S. Perez, Jaden G. Knaub, Peyton F. Knaub, Yazmin J. Knaub, Emily J. Hernandez, Joshua R. Hernandez, Alexander J. Hernandez, Mia I. Hernandez, Sebastian A. Saenz, Mikayla A. Saenz, Hezekiah A. Saenz, Ella Chavez, and Luke N. Perez


Pallbearers are Adan Cardenas, Bryan Cardenas, Eric Hernandez, Felix Guajardo, Jr., Jaden G. Knaub, and Peyton F. Knaub; Officiating her Catholic Burial is Father Francisco J. Solis of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco, TX.