Norma Alicia Cardenas
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Celebrated symphony member and beloved music educator Norma Alicia Cardenas joined heaven's orchestra on February 15, 2021. She was born May 1, 1952, in Edinburg, Texas, to Rose Mary and Jesus Cardenas.
At the age of eight, she picked up her first violin at Robert E. Lee Elementary. She fell in love with music on the very first day of class. Norma was a senior at Edinburg High School when she decided to dedicate her life to music. She was inspired during a class trip to Dallas to hear the Texas All-State Orchestra play Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet. She recalled being awestruck by the mellifluous sounds produced by the musicians.
Her 43 year history with the Valley Symphony Orchestra began at a young age. As a fifth-grader, she performed with a student branch of the orchestra. By the eighth grade, she was playing her violin as one of a handful of young people in the main orchestra. She retired in 2007, having played with the ensemble longer than any other member.
Norma played the violin at Edinburg High School and switched to the viola when she entered Pan American College, now known as the University of Texas-RGV. She graduated in 1974 and began teaching orchestra in the Edinburg school district. She taught for 37 years and reached a point in her career when she was teaching the children of her former students.
Her love of performing extended beyond the Valley Symphony Orchestra. She was manager and viola player for the Silken Strings quintet for 46 years. The group performed at weddings and special events.
She was preceded in death by her parents (Jesus & Rose) and brother, Jesus M (Jesse) Cardenas Jr. She is survived by her sister Sylvia A. Cardenas; sister-in-law Virginia Cardenas; nieces Amanda, Roxana, Gina and Rylei; aunts Pauline Campagna and Sister Mary Paul Hon; and numerous cousins.
The graveside service will take place Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 11:00 am at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and/or food, the family requests that donations be made to the Valley Symphony Orchestra (661-1615) in Norma's memory.