Edna Gertrude Cardwell

LOUISVILLE - Our Mother passed into God's Arms at 12:30 am, December 7th, 2025. She was 97.

Having 5 children and raising them on her own, she led a thriving life, manuevering through difficult times, with a strong will and a fortitude that was unstoppable. She guided the 5 of us as we managed to muddle through, experiencing an adventurous and wonderful childhood. She was our home.

Our Mom worked so very hard for us, and gave all of herself to her work so we could have a better life than what she experienced. She gave us an abundance of love, compassion and adoration. We were her world, and she, ours.

Our Mom was perpetually curious and never met a stranger. Within minutes, most anyone who chatted with her shared way more than they bargained for. She had a gift of listening that was disarmingly enchanting.

She lived with an undeniable passion of "there's great magic to elsewhere". She was an original free spirit, imitating no one. She was perpetually young at heart and didn't ever see herself as "old". She embraced rigorous integrity within herself and unfettered loyalty to her family.

Our Mom was our tall oak tree, with leaves abundant and full of glory, who protected us and kept us from harm's way until her last breath. She sheltered us from pain, sacrificing her own happiness by never marrying again. We were her "gang of kids" (as she referred to us) and no one was worthy enough for her to compromise our safety.

Our Mom only placed us second in line when it involved her self-appointed advocacy of family dogs. She adored the dozens that touched all our lives.



She leaves behind 4 daughters who now find themselves lost without her: Sandra Sims, Vicki Cardwell, Patte Marling, and Terri Cardwell. She also had one son, Richard Cardwell.

Our Mom leaves her last surviving sister, Ms. Barbara Honour, and 6 grandchildren (Jennifer Ribeiro, Brandon Dennis, Leslie Dennis, Tracy Bryant, Lindsy Sims, and Richard Cardwell, Jr). She leaves behind her great grandchildren, Sophie, Frankie, Rachel, Justin, and many more to her lineage.

To not include our Mothers' beloved nurse and BFF with Nazareth Home (Clifton), would be remiss. We include dear mention of Ms.Teresa Cox. Together, they were the "Thelma and Louise" team forging a bond, laughter, (and secrets) not to be broken.

Our Mother's extraordinary care team at Nazareth was beyond any expectation we would have been blessed to have in our community of care. Kind mention goes to Variloa, Emily, Jacqueline, Stella, Ndiaye, Mary and NP Sandra. In our Mother's final hours, they stood vigil, protecting her from any discomfort and went above the call of duty to ensure her needs were met with swift action, love and affection. Our family is deeply indebted for their unwavering compassion and service to her.

Finally, our family is so grateful for Jeanine Pernosky, Director of Admissions, who helped facilitate our Mother's soft landing with Nazareth Home in 2024.

Any kind expressions of sympathy can be offered to: Nazareth Home.org/give.