In Memorium: Sister Olga Cardona, IWBS

Sister Olga Cardona, 61, a Sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, died peacefully at Incarnate Word Convent on Friday, July 5 after complications with cancer.

Sister Olga, born Nov. 3, 1951, to Richard and Dubelia Cardona in Mathis, Texas, was baptized and confirmed at Immaculate Conception Church in Gregory, Texas. After graduating from Mathis High School, she entered the Bee County College nursing program and received her LVN license in 1971.

While working at the Migrant Health Clinic in Mathis, she kept in contact with the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament vocation director in Corpus Christi. She entered the Incarnate Word Congregation on Aug.1, 1972, and made first profession of vows two years later, on Aug. 11, 1974. She professed perpetual vows on Aug. 6, 1978.

During her early years of ministry as a Sister of the Incarnate Word, Sister Olga served as nurse for the infirm sisters at the Motherhouse in Corpus Christi, and in the Diocese of Corpus Christi as school nurse for parish schools and Incarnate Word Academy. She also practiced nursing at Christus Spohn Shoreline and Memorial Hospitals in Corpus Christi, and volunteered at the Gabbard Clinic of Metro Ministries. Sister Olga also participated in catechetical work in the diocesan mission of Arteaga, Mexico during several summers.

After earning her Bachelor of Science, with a major in education, Sister Olga taught science and physical education at Incarnate Word Junior High. After completing Montessori training, she taught Montessori for over 20 years at Incarnate Word Academy.

Sister Olga Cardona, IWBS Nov. 3, 1951 - July 5, 2013

Sister Olga found the most rewarding aspect of Montessori teaching was her interaction with students and parents during the most active growth and learning periods of the child’s experience.

She found that the elements of surprise, joy, and amazement in learning new skills, in discovering God’s many miracles of creation, and in developing friendship and Christian values spill over into the lives of the parents In Sister’s words, “Children speak God’s message of love and peace in their work, their play and their prayer.”

Sister Olga’s experience in ministry, her expertise in nursing, in science and in sustainable living, and her studies in the spirituality and mission of the Incarnate Word, were well utilized in her service to the young children she taught.

In 2012, Sister Olga retired for health reasons and cancer treatment. She continued on the board of the Spirit Center and was making plans for an outdoor classroom where children could participate in nature studies, conservation, and gardening.

Sister Olga was preceded in death by her father, Richard Cardona. She is survived by her mother, Dubelia Cardona of Mathis, her sisters, Effie (Joseph) Obregon of Beeville, Alison Diana (Roland) Torres of Sandia, Irene (Charles) Scheuer of Georgetown, and Bernadette (Karl) Gibson of Skidmore; her nephews Woody (Denise) Salazar, Karl Gibson, Jr., Seth Gibson, Austin Salazar, Zander Salazar; and her niece Teri Salazar.

Reception of the body and Evening Prayer will be held Sunday, July 7 at 4:30 p.m. at Incarnate Word Convent, 2930 South Alameda, Corpus Christi. Visitation for the public will be held in the Convent Chapel on July 7 from 5 p.m. until the Christian Wake Service at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, July 8, 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 3350 South Alameda, Corpus Christi. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park in Corpus Christi.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Sister Olga’s memory to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word, 2930 South Alameda, Corpus Christi, for the Spirit Center youth facility.