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Myriam A. Cardinale, 82, of Orlando, Florida passed away on November 19, 2025. She was born on August 5,1943 in La Ceiba, Honduras, to Jaime Mendez and Ofelia Pagoada. Survived by: Her husband, Julio Cardinale; sons, Hugo Cardinale and Julio Cardinale Jr.; daughter, Ayleen Cardinale; daughters-in-law, D.J. Cardinale and Cyndi Cardinale; brothers, Oscar Mendez, Enrique Mendez, Rigo Mendez, and Juan Carlos Damers; sisters, Sulma Derbyshire and Lucila Damers; grandchildren, C.J. (Nancy) Turner, Nicole (David) Hopper, Nina Cardinale, Erika Cardinale, Dillan (Amanda) Cardinale, Natalie Cardinale and Jacob (Karla) Cardinale; great-grandchildren, Nora Hopper, Emma Turner, and Owen Hopper. Preceded in death by: Her parents, Jaime Mendez and Ofelia Pagoada Mendez. Her In-laws, Carlos Cardinale, and Paula Villagran Cardinale. Myriam, devoted wife, cherished mother, adoring grandmother, and beloved friend, entered her heavenly rest after a long and beautiful life centered on faith, family, and love. She was married to the love of her life, Julio, for sixty wonderful years, a union marked by unwavering devotion, deep joy, and a bond that inspired everyone who knew them. Born in her beloved city La Ceiba, Honduras "Ceibita La Bella", the eldest of seven children, Myriam stepped into a role far beyond her years when her mother passed away young. She lovingly helped raise her sisters and youngest brother, becoming a second mother to them, a guiding presence who would do anything to ensure their well-being. Her family remained her heart’s greatest treasure; she was truly the matriarch, the one everyone leaned on, and the one who held them all together. Myriam was a woman of tireless energy and enthusiasm for life. She loved to stay active, to keep busy, and to pour her creativity into the things she enjoyed, sewing, gardening, cooking, and especially shopping. Her family affectionately described her as a “shopaholic,” a title she embraced with joy. Many of the delicious dishes her family loved came from recipes lovingly passed down from her mother-in-law, Paula. In her early years, Myriam worked as an Export Documentation Specialist for several companies in Manhattan. She took great pride in her work and often shared her favorite saying: “If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere.” And she truly did make it in New York through her determination, grace, and spirit. Above all, Myriam’s life was shaped by her profound love for Jesus. Her greatest mission was to share His love with everyone she encountered. She rejoiced in Him until her last breath. Even as dementia touched her later years, the Word of God remained alive in her; she could still recite her favorite scriptures flawlessly. In her final days, she often repeated the verse that brought her comfort and peace, Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Myriam had a remarkable gift for making others feel seen, heard, and cherished. Whether offering a kind word to a stranger, telling a woman how beautiful she was or a man how handsome he looked, she touched countless lives, often bringing people to tears with her sincerity, compassion, and warmth. She had a way of recognizing the “unique” light in every person she met. Her own light, bright with faith and love, shone unmistakably through her. Her neighbors adored her, and she loved them just the same. She will be deeply missed by her family, her community, and all who were blessed to know her. Yet there is no doubt she is now rejoicing in heaven, wrapped in the eternal love of Jesus, her Lord and Savior. Myriam lived a life of purpose, passion, and radiant faith. Her legacy of love will continue to shine in the hearts of all who loved her. No burial or service will be taking place as Myriam was adamant on being cremated because she strongly believed "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). The family requests prayers for strength during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association (https://donorservices.alz.org). May she rest in His eternal peace.

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Myriam A. Cardinale

August 5, 1943 - November 19, 2025