Cynthia "Carmen" Cardwell

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Carmen Cardwell, who passed away peacefully on Monday, May 15, 2023, due to complications of illness. She was born Cynthia Carmen Johnson on January 22, 1962, in Louisville, KY, to the late James and Ethel Johnson. Later in life she lived in Manassas, VA and then Crown Point, IN, before settling in Indianapolis, IN.
Carmen was a loving and incredibly patient wife to her husband, Robert A. Cardwell, and a devoted mother to her son, Jason Bailey. She was also a caring and dedicated stepmother to Matt (Nicole) Cardwell and Emily Cardwell, and her stepson Reuben (Melinda) Cardwell who passed away in 2002. Carmen was immensely proud of her two granddaughters, Lydia and Eva Cardwell, and had taken many other children into her heart over the years. She also leaves behind three living brothers, Lee Johnson, Eric Johnson, and Steve Johnson, and is predeceased by her brother Jim Johnson and her sister Sandra Johnson. She adored her family and maintained close family ties her entire life.
Carmen will always be remembered for wit, sharp intellect, generous nature, and kind heart. She had a gift for making everyone feel loved and valued, and her generosity knew no bounds. Carmen had a passion for cooking and baking, and she loved nothing more than sharing her delicious creations with family and friends. Many were lucky enough to partake in her culinary bounty over the years, either by having a wedding cake she made by hand for them or a feast for the holidays. Carmen was a consummate hostess who never failed to exceed expectations.
Carmen expressed her love of children by helping those she could, including her volunteer work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). She loved animals and was a doting pet parent who leaves behind her cat Emmy and dog Charlie. She had an amazing knowledge base about many things and could be counted on to always win at Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit. She enjoyed making beautiful things for others, whether as crafts or food. But most of all, she loved her family and friends with a deep and abiding love.
Carmen's passing has left a void in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten, particularly since she may have left enough canned jams for another decade of eating.
Visitation will be on Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 3-8 pm Ratterman and Sons Funeral Home 3800 Bardstown Rd. Her Funeral Service will be at 11 am Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the Funeral Home with burial to follow in Resthaven Cemetery. There will also be a memorial held in Indianapolis, IN at a later date to allow those locally to celebrate her life together.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Owen County Humane Society and/or the Lupus Research Alliance in Carmen's memory.