Ida Cadena

She was born May 1, 1920 in Bexar County to Enrique Menchaca and Anita Lee Menchaca, one of five daughters. Her mother died in childbirth when Ida was 12, and Ida was raised by her grandparents on the Lee Ranch near Grey Forest.

She told relatives her family would go to Lee and Helotes creeks in a horse and wagon to collect water in barrels for their household use and to wash clothes. She also recalled riding to school with other siblings on horseback and having fun at dances on the family ranch.

Ida Cadena worked as a teen at the Helotes General Store and married Henry Cadena in the mid-30s. Their union produced two children, Sylvia Ann and Louis. Ida lived most of her life in the Grey Forest area.

She worked for many years as a cook at Helotes Elementary School and shared her love of cooking and gardening with her family. She also enjoyed playing dominoes with friends until her eyesight began to fail recently.

Ida was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes, teaching CCD classes for a long while.

She exhibited a loving nature and independent spirit that left a deep impact on many family members and friends.

Ida is preceded in death by her husband and two children.

Survivors include son-in-law Lane Alvarez and grandsons Kenny Cadena, Lane Alvarez Jr. and Clint Alvarez, along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Rosary and Mass will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes on Tuesday, April 25, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Cemetery on the Bandera Highway.