Susan S. Cardenas (Sanchez)

Susan S. Cardenas

October 27, 1916 ~ December 15, 2014

Susan S. Cardenas, age 98, a resident of Montrose since 1941, died Monday afternoon, December 15, 2014 at the home of her daughter.  She was the daughter of Gregorio Sanchez and Christina (Archuleta) Sanchez born October 27, 1916 in Redwing, Colorado where she spent her childhood and grew to adulthood.  Susan had 11 siblings; however, only 4 of her sibilings; however, only 4 of her siblings grew to adulthood, due to various childhood illnesses.

She completed her high school education at St. Mary High School in Walsenburg, Colorado.  To accomplish this she lived away from  home during her high school years.  She enjoyed learning and, in spite of English being a second language to her, she faced the academic challenge.  Upon graduation she was the recipient of a scholarship which would have enabled her to attend college, but due to logistical circumstances with the family this never came about.

During her youth she was her father’s ‘right hand’ helping out with livestock, crops, etc. mostly on the homestead they had in the mountains. On November 17, 1940 Susan married Phil Cardenas in Gardner, Colorado.  The young couple moved to Montrose in 1941 where they made their home and raised their four children.  As a young wife with a young family living in Montrose away from close family, Susan learned quickly the skills needed to keep her family fed and clothed.  She was always eager to learn and was quite resourseful.

Surviving family members who had the privilege of Sharing Susan’t life include her four children: Pearl Cooling; Gene Cardenas and wife Beverly, all of Montrose; Carol Valenzuela, of Greeley; Robert Cardenas and wife Ann, of Framingham, MA. and her brother Walter Sanchez and wife Margie of Pueblo.

Her 12 grandchildren who were quite a sparkle in her eye are: Nicole (Nick Love) Cooling, Rebecca (Michael) Romero, Chris (Rae) Cardenas, Jenni (Scott) Hartman, Kim Cardenas, Carrie Valenzuela, Stephanie (Chris) Giaccio, Jodi Valenzuela, Jamie Valenzuela, Greg, Michael, and David Cardenas.

The blessings continued with her 15 great grandchildren who are: Mia & Izabella Romero, Jamaica & Asia Barrientos, Essa & Michael Romero, Elijah & Silas Cardenas, Samuel, Camille & Ethan Hartman, Domanik Lujan, Lucah & Pria Giaccio, Zarie Valenzuela-Claycomb.

Susan was preceded in death by both her parents, her husband Phil, son-in-law Bill Cooling, her siblings Martina Archuleta and Charles Sanchez along with the eight siblings who died in their youth.

Her vigil is scheduled for Friday, December 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel, Montrose.  The Funeral Mass to celebrated Susan’s life will be officiated by Father Mark Bettinger on Saturday, December 20 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic, Montrose.  The Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at Grand View Cemetery, Montrose.

Memorial contributions In Memory of Susan S. Cardenas may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, 1855 St. Mary’s Drive, Montrose, CO 81401 or to HopeWest Hospice, P. O. Box 1804, Montrose, Co. 81402.  Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colorado