Search by Name

Search by Name

Gerald T. and Helen M. Cardinal

Gerald T. and Helen M. Cardinal obituary

Gerald Cardinal Obituary

Gerald T. Cardinal and Helen M. Cardinal Our beloved mother and father, Jerry and Helen Cardinal, of Gig Harbor, traveled to their heavenly home just days apart from one another. Gerald T. Cardinal passed away from complications of congestive heart disease on May 5, 2011, surrounded by his family and holding the hand of his cherished wife. Helen M. (Smolich) Cardinal passed away peacefully with her loved ones by her side on May 9, 2011 from pancreatic cancer. Even in her time of struggle, Helen kept a positive spirit and desire to care for her family. Their warm hearts, spirited laughter, and unconditional love for family and friends will be deeply missed and treasured always. Jerry and Helen are survived by: Their three children, Suzie Lopez (Ray), Andi Schatz (Corey), and William Cardinal (Katrina); their seven grandchildren, Desiree and Jessica Schatz, Brianna, Brooke, and Bailey Lopez, and Thomas and Kate Cardinal; and many extended family members. A Funeral Mass and celebration of their life will be held on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Gig Harbor, WA. Please consider a donation to their granddaughters' Relay For Life team. You can find the information on the American Cancer Society: Relay For Life website under the team name "Bad to the Bone." If you would like to sign the guestbook, please go to www.havenrest.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on May 12, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Cardinal

Sponsored by Family.

Not sure what to say?





Helen VanDyke

May 6, 2021

Jerry and Helen were delightful people. We enjoyed playing dominoes and cards with them here at Fiesta.
When Frank died Jerry helped balance my checkbook-twice.
They would be delighted to know the people in their house keep it beautiful and inviting by tending flowers and blooming bushes

Betty Gilbertson

May 16, 2020

I could hardly believe that our dear friends died so long ago; we have moved to Texas to be with our family as they want to take care of us when we need their help, and it reminds me of the wonderful care Jerry and Helen received from their wonderful children. They loved their children and friends and were such fun to be with. We love them and will see them again. We love you kids also..what a wonderful close family you were!

May 22, 2011

Helen and Jerry were dear friends we met in Bullhead City, AZ many years ago. The Bingo room, the pool, the walkers, all will miss their laughs. I first met them one night when I asked Jerry to help turn over a table-top. Helen quickly stepped in and said she'd do it. They cared so much for each other and for their family. They talked about their family all the time.
Thank you children for keeping in contact during the past year, letting us know how they were doing.
They will both be missed by many. The world is a little dimmer without them here but heaven is brighter and yes, we'll meet them again.
Helen Fish, Fiesta RV Resort/Kamiah, ID

Mike and Laurel Joyal

May 16, 2011

We met Helen and Jerry through Andi after we retired. We met them in Laughlin, enjoyed playing cards and having dinner together. We will miss their friendship. Our prayers and thoughts are with the whole family as they go through this time in their lives.

Nancy Schmid

May 13, 2011

What the heart has once known, it shall never forget. Thank you God for placing Jerry and Helen in my heart......

May 13, 2011

Please see the full obituary at http://www.havenrest.com/obituaries/233

Don & Betty Gilbertson

May 12, 2011

Jerry and Helen have been our most special friends since she and I worked at First Interstate Bank in the early 70's. Our families went boating many weekends and consisted of 4 children and 4 adults. We spent vacations together and have such fun memories! We love them deeply and know we will see them again. We are grateful to God for Jerry and Helen and for the fact that sll of our children grew up to be awesome people.
As you said, Helen, we'll see you again. Much love to you both.

May 12, 2011

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Susie, Andi and Willy. When I count my blessings, I count the Cardinal family of 65th Ave in U.P. The many years of our children growing up as neighbors and classmates was part of the best years. Helen and Jerry were always there when the children wanted to do new and unusual things, the 4th of July comes to mind. May God be very near each of you as the difference of the days ahead bring many more joys than sorrows to your hearts. God is to Be Praised in all things.
Delores (Bennett) Tulfo

Helen and Jerry Cardinal

Barb & Mel Aakre

May 12, 2011

We will miss our dear friends, Jerry and Helen and we have been blessed to have known them. We will remember Jerry's laugh and Helen's caring ways and all the fun we had with them. God has taken Jerry and Helen home and they will be together forever.

May 12, 2011

Helen and I worked together for many years and she will aways be remembered as the very best friend you could have Chuck Learned

stacy forster

May 12, 2011

I work for Suzie and all I have ever heard are great things about her parents! What a wonderful family!! My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family during this time!!

Garet Gilbertson Sanchez

May 12, 2011

Helen and Jerry were friends of our family for many years. I remember Helen's positive energy and Jerry's wonderful laugh. Their children blessed them with care in their time of need just as they cared for their children. May light perpetual shine upon them and give them peace. I hope God will bless the children and grandchildren with peace and strength during this time of loss.

Eddy Konieczka

May 12, 2011

I can't believe our friends from Fiesta RV park are gone.Helen always was so happy and they both worked so hard on their beautiful park model in the park.
We will miss them both and now we know where they are together at pease and watching all of us. All we can do now is to pray that they watch over all of us and help us to be as good as they were in their life.
Cardinal Family you should be very proud of your Mom and Dad. Grandma and Grandpa Aunt and Uncle.They were special people.
Jim and Eddy from Fiesta RV

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Gerald Cardinal's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Gerald Cardinal

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Gerald's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Gerald Cardinal's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more