Gloria Ann Cadena

Gloria Ann Cadena, 82, of Kilgore, TX, passed away on January 22, 2024, after a brief illness.

Ann was born on January 21, 1942, to Max and Jesusa (Susy) Cadena in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from Little Flower Catholic School in 1958, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Incarnate Word College in San Antonio. She landed her first nursing job in San Antonio and later received her Master of Science in Nursing Service Administration at Catholic University in Washington D.C. Ann proudly continued to serve her community as a nurse throughout her life. In 1966, she met Joe, and they wed in 1969. They are the proud parents of seven children: Max, Rina, Cynthia, Lisa, Ariana, Laura, and Ramon.

Ann made it her mission to improve the lives of others. When she was not working as a nurse, she was serving her parish as a lector or distributing communion to those in the community who could not attend services. She was a devout Catholic and a dedicated supporter of Catholic education and the ministries in her church.

Ann was passionate about fitness. When she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she could be found cycling at Parke Way, or running road races. She loved sports events, convertible sports cars, country music, guitar, mystery novels, and recently discovered a fondness for a good caramel macchiato.

Ann was immensely proud of her family, and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. Her sense of humor and delightful personality will be missed immensely by all who met her. Ann was preceded in death by her brother Max Cadena, Jr. and her parents Max and Susy Cadena.

She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Joseph; her sister Maxine Cadena of San Antonio; her children Max Merkley of Grapevine; Rina (Rick)VanOrman of Bryan; Cynthia (George) Soriano of Farmers Branch; Lisa (David) James of Frisco; Ariana (Jeff) Hopcus of Seguin; Laura (Corey) Cole of Floresville; Ramon (Danielle) Merkley of Longview; her niece Susan Cadena Walker of Arlington, Tennessee; as well as 16 grandchildren and numerous friends and relatives.

Rosary will be held at Rader Funeral Home Chapel in Kilgore, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 6:00 PM with family visitation to follow until 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church of Kilgore, on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM with Father John Henao as the Celebrant. Burial will follow at Kilgore Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hiway 80 Rescue Mission or East Texas Food Bank.