d. June 23, 2026
Our beautiful and lovely mother, Cora, peacefully went home to the Lord on June 23, 2026. She resided in Bremen, Georgia and was surrounded by her daughter Veronica and her family. Cora was born to Dorotea and Frank Martinez on September 18, 1933. Unfortunately, Dorotea passed away while giving birth to Cora and her twin brother. Cora was then adopted by a wonderful lady named Adelaida Barela, who raised her as a single mother. As a young child, Cora thought she was an only child and later discovered she was blessed with 18 siblings, which included full siblings, half-siblings, step siblings and adoptive siblings.
Adelaida raised Cora with a strong Catholic upbringing and faith in God. They would walk every Sunday from the Columbine to attend mass at St. Anthony’s in Questa. She taught Cora how to cook, clean, farm, garden, sew, can and make the best pastries. Her specialties were pumpkin pies, empanadas and biscochitos. Cora and Adelaida resided in Columbine and Cora attended the Moly Mine School. She then moved to Questa in order to attend and complete high school. In Questa, Cora developed strong values of family, kindness, patience and resilience that would define her life. Cora married Luis Cardenas of El Prado in 1953. They had eight children. Cora was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose life centered around her family. In her teenage years and early twenties, she worked cleaning rooms in Red River. After marrying she became a homemaker.
Once her children were grown, she went to work for the Questa School District as a cook. Cora will be remembered for her caring and feisty spirit, which truly makes her unforgettable. She brought warmth to everyone around her. She found great joy in cooking, sharing laughter, and dancing. Her home was always filled with love. Her presence was a source of comfort and happiness to all who knew her. Cora’s legacy of love, strength, kindness, and spirited determination will live on through her family and all those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Cora is preceded in death by her husband; Luis Cardenas, her son; Frank Cardenas (Bro. Martin), her infant sons; Joseph and Rubio Cardenas and her son-in-law; Bobby Ramos.
Cora is survived by two sisters; Loretta Duran-Sanchez (Victor) and Teresa Martinez, her sons; Avenancio and Mennard Cardenas, daughters; Luisa Mara Ramos, Veronica Lamendola (John) and Angela Coretta Paras (Michael). She is also survived by six grandchildren; Nicole O’Donnell (Terrence), Brian Ramos (Madison), Kevin and Eric Lamendola, Annalee and Cora Paras. Three great-grandchildren; Terrence III, Bobby and Madeline O’Donnell. In addition, her best friend since childhood; Lillian Ortega. A special thanks to Tanner Hospice Care in Bremen, GA and Cora’s wonderful caregivers, Camille and Kristy. The funeral Mass was held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Questa on July 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with burial at San Pedro Cemetery with a Celebration of Life Luncheon at Rosie’s Smokehouse.
