Karolena H Cardella

Karolena H. Cardella entered into rest on July 27,2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by love and light from near and far. She was born in Shelton, Connecticut on May 12, 1935(Mother's Day) to parents, Mildred and Joseph Haussler. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Soukup, son, Angelo Joseph Cardella, and husband Angelo Lawrence Cardella.
Karolena dedicated her life in service to her family as a loving, daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She cared for her mother and husband faithfully until their passing. Karolena was happiest when helping others.
She had a robust family life and as a child, she spent wonderful summers at the family cottage on Cedar Beach in Milford, CT. She attended Shelton High School where she was a cheerleader and participated in theater. Karolena pursued her early childhood education degree at Southern Connecticut State Teacher's College. While going to college she worked at Vanetti's Ice Cream Parlor in Derby, CT with her dear friend, Frances Terlizzi. She could make the most beautiful sundaes and ice cream floats.
Karolena taught in Shelton and Ansonia public schools before moving to Arizona. It was at a teacher's meeting in Shelton, where she first met her handsome and adoring husband, Angelo. Soon after, they met again at a Polka Dance at Warsaw Park and the rest is history. They continued to polka throughout their marriage of 61 years. When first married, she and Angelo traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Sailing on the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth was a cherished memory for them. After their family arrived, they planned elaborate vacations to the Jersey Shore and across the United States which created life long memories for her children.
In 1996, Karolena and Angelo moved to Arizona after the birth of Julianne's first child. They settled in a new home in Avondale, Arizona where they made wonderful family memories for 25 years. They were faithful members of St. Christopher's Church in Peoria, AZ, where Karolena was a member of the Women's Guild and enjoyed helping at coffee hours, in the thrift shop, and crocheting blankets for those in need.
Karolena was a cherished Reading Specialist in the Glendale Elementary and Litchfield Elementary School Districts. In Glendale, she was known for her very popular P.I.E (Parents Involved in Education) nights featuring delicious pie, ice cream, educational games and prizes. In Litchfield, she was at her grandchildren's school and was named Westside Impact Teacher of the Year. She participated in innovative research and training to treat dyslexia and helped thousands of children over the course of her career.
Karolena was loved by all children and dogs. They would gravitate to her and she always welcomed the love. Julianne's dogs, Bizzy and Stella adored their Gi Gi(Great Grandma) with her constant supply of treats and belly rubs.
After Angelo's passing, Karolena lived with Julianne and her family, enjoying family trips to Hawaii and Connecticut, RV trips to California, and many family celebrations. She spent her final years at the Terraces of Phoenix where she made many friends, went on day trips and participated in many activities. She particularly loved the trips to thrift shops and to see Christmas Lights.
Karolena was an avid crocheter, making beautiful crafts for others. Her kindness, selflessness, and love will forever be woven into the fabric of all who knew and loved her. She will be dearly missed by her brother, Theodore Haussler(Agnes), daughter, Julianne Lein(Ken), son, Eric Cardella(Shannon), grandchildren: Jessica McCormack(Mark), Alicia Valenti(Nick), Austin Lein(Bailey), Rosalia Cardella, Karolena Lein(her namesake), Angelo Cardella, and Coogan Cardella, great grandchildren: Skyler McCormack, Emma McCormack, Lainey Lein, Mia McCormack, and baby boy Lein due in October. Se was loved dearly by her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grand nephews. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Karolena H Cardella, please visit our Tree Store.