Julia "Candelaria" Cardenas

Julia "Candelaria" Prado Cardenas, 84, of Fort Collins, passed away April 5, 2008, following a lengthy illness. She was born on Feb. 2, 1924, in Nueva Rosita, Coahuila, Mexico, to the late Fidencio and Josefa Prado. Julia lived in Piedras Negras, Coahuila as a young child and afterward immigrated to the United States and grew up in La Pryor, Texas. She was united in marriage to the late Antonio Garcia Cardenas on Feb. 14, 1945. Julia was a beloved mother and grandmother who happily dedicated her life to her family. Her late husband, Antonio, was a noted political leader during the civil rights era in the 1960s. Julia became a pivotal and important participant in the historic election recorded in Texas history known as "The Crystal City Revolt" in 1963. Together, they made political history that greatly impacted the Latino political action and uprising in Southwest Texas. In April 1965, Julia and her family left Texas and settled in Colorado after a record snowstorm blocked their passage as they traveled to Billings, Mont., which was their original destination. Julia loved Colorado and helped with the family sod business while raising her family. Julia is survived by two sisters, Carmen McHazlett from Crystal City, Texas, and Lupe Leven, from Fort Collins; many beloved nieces and nephews; and a huge extended family. She is also survived by her six children, Anthony Cardenas Jr. from El Paso, Texas, Valdemar Cardonas from Johnstown, Mirna Miranda from Denver, Graciela Cardenas from Fort Collins, George Luis Cardenas from Fort Collins and Pablo De Leon from Florida; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Julia was an integral part of her large family and a strong matriarchal figure to her family. She actively participated in raising all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and devoted all of her life to their happiness and well-being. Her children feel honored and privileged to have had such a strong and loving maternal influence in their lives. Julia was indeed the glue that kept the Cardenas family together. She will be missed tremendously and remembered with the great respect and honor due such wholehearted and loving devotion. Memorial service at 7 p.m. today at Bohlender Funeral Chapel.