Mary L. Cardenas

Mary L. Cardenas, "La Babe", was born in Eagle Pass, Texas on July 3, 1929. Mary's parents died when she was 3 yrs. old, so she was raised by her maternal grandparents, aunt and uncle in Carrizo Springs, Texas. Mary graduated from Carrizo Springs High School, where she excelled in basketball, volleyball and softball. She was coached by Gwen Webb, a friendship she maintained until the end. Mary was voted in high school, "all-star player" in basketball. In tournaments, she won high honors and prizes as guard and forward. After high school, Mary moved with her family to San Antonio and continued playing sports. She played softball with Little Flower Church and basketball in the city leagues, coached by Gwen Bayton. She was recruited by the Pink Ladies of Oklahoma to play semi pro basketball, but had to decline the offer. Mary attended Southwest College and her first teaching job was at Blessed Sacrament Academy as girls coach. Her teams won championships in all sports, despite that the school did not have a gym, only outside courts. She also produced fashion shows. Mary worked with CYO along with Bishop John W. Yanta. Her teams won championships and she was voted "Coach of the Year" for five consecutive yrs. She represented SA CYO in Philadelphia, Penn. as a Board Officer. She received an award for her work with CYO from Governor Briscoe. In 1956, Mary started working with SA City Parks & Recreation as playground leader at Palm Heights and then Monterrey Park. Several participants followed her to Monterrey Park. She won many awards with the city. Other duties included decorating centers, producing pagents, kite festivals, tournaments, and track meets. After 35 yrs., she retired as a community center coordinator & supervisor. She had been responsible for 24 community centers and the athletic program. NB: One of her players followed in her footsteps as community center supervisor. She dedicated herself to helping children. She dressed the less fortunate participants in suits and dresses and took them to banquets. Her quote: "I dedicated myself to the children; children are my life." Among the people Mary met in her line of work were: Mrs. Ethel Kennedy of Special Olympics, Roger Staubach of the Dallas Cowboys, and George Gervin of the Spurs. Her other achievements were: Lifetime achievement award for Parks & Recreation from Governor Ann Richards, Lifetime member of Texas Parks & Recreation.

Mary will be missed dearly by her family: Alice Klein (cousin-sister) & husband Tom, their children: Kayna, Kristi and Tommy; grandchildren: twins-Rodney Jr. & Allison, Justin, Zachary, Kaden, Michelle & Vera. Cousin, Alfred Sanchez Jr. & family. Mary thanks her special friend & caregiver: Mary Lou Maldonado and Dr. Steven Coulter. Her last quote: "It has been an honor to have so many of my SA Parks & Recreational family come visit me."

Visitation will be 6-9:00 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm at the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:00 am on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 350 Sutton Dr., 78228. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Sunset Funeral Home, San Antonio, TX.