Martha Cardel Gonzales, 84, of Pasadena, passed away August 15, 2023. She was born in Tetela, Oaxaca, Mexico on February 23, 1939 to Faustino and Taurina Gonzales. She was widowed and raised her only child alone. Although she had been working since childhood in Mexico, she created her career as a cook when she came to the US. She first worked at Ricardo's Restaurant in Pasadena and finally in the Shell refinery cafeteria. She retired early to help raise her granddaughters. She was a devout Christian and longtime member of the congregation of La Iglesia del Pueblo.
Martha will always be remembered for her spirit of helping anyone in need, her extraordinary cuisine, and her love of gardening and animals. She is survived by her daughter Isabel Gonzales and her granddaughters Yadira, Jennifer and Nancy.
