Otilia Muniz Cardenas

Otilia Muniz Cardenas was born on December 13, 1926 in Donna, Texas to Jose and Antonia Muniz.  She was the eighth child of 10.  She passed on October 1, 2021 at the age of 94.  Now in eternal rest, she joins her mother and father, husband, Eliseo Cardenas, Sr., and son, Eugene Cardenas.

Otilia married Eliseo Cardenas Sr. and together they had seven sons:  Rogelio, Jose, Eliseo Jr., Artemio, Daniel, Eugene (deceased), and Orlando.  In 1956, they moved to Newark, CA and joined St. Edward’s Parish.  When they relocated to Fremont, they joined Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (formerly Santa Paula Parish).  Otilia was a very active member of the Parish; she taught Catechism for many years, was a member of the Guadalupanos, and sang with the Hawaiian choir.  Additionally, she served as a Eucharistic minister for those who were not able to attend Mass.  One of the highlights of her church involvement was a trip to the Holy Land.

Otilia found great joy in watching her nine grandchildren (Maya, Cassie, Temito, Cano, Danny, Morgan, Elizabeth, Orlandito, and Edwin) and her great-grandson (Mateo) grow and thrive.  Christmas time was a special time for the family as that is when Otilia spent hours making dozens of tamales.

Otilia touched many lives.  She will be greatly missed by her sons, grandchildren and great-grandson, family, and friends.  She will live in the hearts of all of us forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, www.msjdominicans.org, 43326 Mission Circle, Fremont, CA 94539-5898.