Madge Niel Cardone

Mrs. Madge Niel Cardone, 81, of Lake Charles, born to eternal life at 12:15 p.m., November 26, 2011. She passed peacefully at her home surrounded by her four children and family.

Mrs. Cardone was born on September 10, 1930, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She graduated in 1948 from St. Charles Academy in Lake Charles and attended McNeese State University. She married John Elmo Cardone, Sr. of Madisonville, Louisiana on April 23, 1950. She was a devoted, loving wife for 61 years.

Mrs. Cardone spent her entire life committed to her husband, raising their four children and instilling in them moral values and the love of the Lord. She was the "rock" of the family, a mentor and role model for her children and grandchildren. She was always there for advice and encouragement. She loved Eucharistic Adoration, which was the source of her strength and attending spiritual retreats at our Lady of the Oaks at Grand Coteau. She enjoyed vacationing with her family, spending time with the family at their camp and traveling with her sisters and brothers. Mrs. Cardone enjoyed cooking and especially looked forward to bringing her family together for meals. She will warmly be remembered for her devotion to her husband and family, and as a benefactor and faithful servant to the Lord. She was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church and an active volunteer with her church community. She was a long time member of the OLQH Ladies Altar Society and served as President for two years. Mrs. Cardone was a member of the OLQH Rosary Team and served the Sacristan Ministry. She was a faithful servant and friend of "The Martha's", who cared and served the household needs for Msgr. Irving DeBlanc. Her angelic group called themselves "The Friday Martha's". She was an active member of the Serra Club, promoting vocations to the Catholic priesthood and religious life. She loved cooking, baking and volunteering her time for St. Joseph's Table and Abraham's Tent. In 1983, OLQH recognized her and her husband with the Remarkable Dedication and Unique Service Award. In 1990, she received the Rank of Member in the Order of St. Charles. The Diocese of Lake Charles also honored her in 1990 with the Family of the Year Award.

Mrs. Cardone leaves to honor her memory two sons and two daughters; Gwen Cardone Gillis and her husband John of Baton Rouge, John E. Cardone, Jr. and his wife Karen of Lake Charles, Jay Anthony Cardone and his wife Melissa of Lake Charles and Mary Cardone McGinn and her husband Andy of Lafayette; eight grandchildren, Scott Fischer and his wife Janet of Edmond, Oklahoma, John E. Cardone, III, Kristen Cardone George and Kathryn Cardone of Lake Charles, Benjamin Rees Cardone of Lafayette, and Brandt McGinn, Easton McGinn and Drue McGinn of Lafayette; one great grandchild, Marleigh Grace George of Lake Charles; two step-grandchildren, Leigh Ann Gillis Jordan and her husband Landon and Mark Gillis of Baton Rouge; and one step-great grandchild, Layla Jordan. Also surviving Mrs. Cardone is one brother, Vincent Niel and his wife Mary; and one sister, Angie Mericle, both of Lake Charles; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband John E. Cardone, Sr., her father Anthony "Tony" Niel and her mother, Sophie Gennaro Niel; and step-mother, Lucy Wood Niel; two brothers, John Niel and Paul Albert Niel; and one sister, Concetta Niel Cardone and her husband Curtis Cardone, Sr, all of Lake Charles.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, November 30, at 1:00 p.m., Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Lake Charles. Msgr. James M. Gaddy, Pastor, OLQH, is Celebrant. Interment will be at Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home Tuesday, November 29, from 4-8 p.m; with the Rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the service at 1:00 p.m.