Eldie Cardona

It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of our dear Mom  - Eldie Dario Cardona - on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Mackenzie Health - Richmond Hill. She was 85.

She is loved and dearly missed by daughters, Judy Cardona Gamez (Jay Gamez) and Cindy Cardona (Norman Bunoan); beloved grandchildren, Jessica & Justin Gamez and Mia & Chloe Bunoan. She was predeceased by parents, Luis & Rebekah Dario; husband, Juanito Cardona; son, Jesse Cardona, and sister, Charity Dario Maranan. She is also survived by siblings Roy Dario (Dina) and Roger Dario (Rufina) and nieces and nephews - Desiree Maranan, Lizelle Lim Canque, Roy Dario Jr., Rebekah Dario, Isaac Dario, Lovielyn Dario, Daryl Dario, Roger Dario Jr.  and Ronald Dario.

Affectionately known as "Manang, Ate, Ninang and Sister Eldie", she was part of the early wave of Registered Nurses immigrating to Canada from the Philippines in the late 60s. She, along with husband Jesse, befriended and mentored other young nurses and healthcare professionals. Eldie enjoyed a tenure of 35 years of nursing service at North York Branson Hospital and then North York General Hospital - Branson Division prior to retirement. 

She served with passion and was actively involved in church ministry at Mount Zion Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church. A chartered member, she, along with her husband and children, worked along with the church family on the building renovations of the former office & warehouse space transformed into a worship and fellowship space. Later, the couple was  called to help with the church plant and establishment of Fairhavens Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church to help address the need for an Adventist church in the City of Vaughan. She had the blessing and privilege of serving as the inaugural Sabbath School Director and Snack Station Leader (with her husband) at the inaugural Vacation Bible School hosted by Fairhavens.

Mom was a woman of strength, strong faith, resilience and boundless generosity. She gave freely of her time, her energy, and her heart—always putting family first. She loved to celebrate milestones and enjoyed hosting small gatherings and parties  at home for family and friends (often with her favourite Hawaiian theme). 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of our beloved Mom and Grandma - who lived a life rich with the love of her adoring husband, daughters, precious grandchildren, a beautiful church family and colleagues-turned-friends. Even so Lord Jesus quickly come! 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.  2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV