It is of no coincidence that Wilma Cardona was born on January 6,1928, the day of the Epiphany- also known as 3 Kings Day. The Epiphany signifies the staunch faith of the three kings, who with hope in their hearts and gifts in their arms, took a risk in following that bright burning star hundreds of miles to Bethlehem in search of our savior Jesus Christ. Wilma, brave like the kings took risks, traveled in search of her hopes, was a selfless giver of gifts, and above all had a lifelong devout faith that kept her closely connected to God.

Wilma's early days were spent on her family farm in Tomas, Colombia, alongside her humble parents and eleven siblings. She had many talents including sewing beautiful clothing, and cooking the most delicious dishes, including her famous fried chicken, meatloaf, and carrot cake. Wilma, ever the traveler, had spent time living and working in Venezuela. Her many travels had taken her to Portugal, Morocco, Santo Domingo and Mexico.

In September of 1962, Wilma welcomed her first and only beloved child Carlos Arturo Cardona, and in the years following set out to the U.S in pursuit of the American dream. She earned her citizenship and embarked on a new chapter, with the focus of creating the best life for her son. Wilma worked tirelessly for twenty years in housekeeping at Mount Sinai Hospital along with various extra jobs along the way before retiring in 1993. It is safe to say she has always worked hard to earn an honest living.

In the mid-1980s, Wilma welcomed her daughter-in-law Helanna into the family. Within the next few years Wilma took on the role as a loving Mamita to her two granddaughters Tabetha and Carla and later her grandson Peter. Along with her three loving grandchildren, in 2018 Mamita was blessed with a beautiful great-granddaughter Mitzi Ventura, with whom she shared a special connection.

Wilma was a compassionate woman. She reflected on the good in people rather than their faults. She helped those around her to see things in a way they normally wouldn't-- kindly things that only a few gracious hearts like hers were blessed with the ability to grasp-- no matter how grim the circumstances. She was a kind lady who lived her life in service to others. Through the years she generously opened her home to anyone in need and would often give from her own humble table to the less fortunate.

Above all, Wilma faithfully catered to her family with utmost sincerity. A loving mother, adoring Mamita, devoted sister, true friend, good Samaritan, and like the three kings, a pursuer and follower of Christ. She was all and more than words could ever convey. For all of us whose lives she has touched, we can wholeheartedly say it was not just a blessing and a privilege to be loved by Wilma, we were undoubtedly in every sense of the term "divinely favored".

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Visitation
Friday (9/13)
4 PM  -  8 PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Complimentary Valet Parking Available

Funeral Mass
Saturday (9/14)
10:15 AM
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Our Lady of Angels Church
7320 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209

Crematory
Green-Wood Crematory
500 25th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232