Benita Cardenas

1938 - 2025

Benita Cardenas

Sep 1, 1938 - Oct 3, 2025

Benita Cardenas passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on October 3, 2025 at the age of 87. She was born on September 1, 1938, in Cienega de Flores, NL Mexico to Abel and Maria de la Luz Garcia and was the oldest of 13 siblings.

In November 1961, she married her first love, Juan H. Cardenas. They moved to the United States and together they raised their 3 children. Benita and Juan were parishioners at Our Lady of Guadalupe church in East Chicago for many years.

From an early age, Benita took on great responsibility, leaving grade school to help raise her siblings. This selfless spirit characterized her entire life, nurturing not only her family but also the many children she cared for throughout the years.

Benita's home was a hub of laughter and warmth, where she welcomed all with open arms and a home cooked meal. Her cooking was a gift to all who knew her, especially her famous tamales, a family treasure and tradition for all who gathered at her table.

Memories with her friends and family filled her heart. She loved to reminisce and also had a love for mariachi music, which always brought a smile to her face.

Benita is survived by her daughters Marisela (Michael) Upchurch and Leticia (Ignacio) Cardenas, her six grandchildren Julie (Nick), Melanie, Mikey (Daniela), Samantha, Joshua, and Valerie, six great-grandchildren, Olivia, Aaliyah, Josiah, Jeremiah, Gianna and Omari, brothers Raul (Julia), Ricardo (Silvia), sisters Hortencia (Alfredo), Ofelia, Maria Luisa (Mario), Rosa (Francisco), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Juan, parents Abel and Maria de la Luz, brothers Abel, Miguel, Juan Jose Garcia and her son, Juan G. Cardenas.

Benita leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth that will be carried on through the many lives she touched. She will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 8th from 4 to 8pm at Acevez Funeral home, 4404 Cameron Ave. Hammond, IN. A Funeral Mass will be Thursday, October 9th at 10am DIRECTLY at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3510 Deodar St. East Chicago, IN. with Rev Diego Flores A.I.C. officiating. A final viewing will be 1 hour prior to Mass at the Church at 9am. Burial to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville.

Acevez Funeral Home

4404 Cameron Ave. Hammond, IN. 46327