Margaret J. Cardina passed away peacefully May 9, 2026, at Governor’s Pointe in Mentor at the age of 93.  She was born Oct. 6, 1932 in Wendel, WV, moved to Fairport Harbor, OH in 1947 and was a long time resident of Painesville, OH. 

She was a member of St. Mary Church in Painesville / St. Anthony of Padua in Fairport, Fairport Senior Center and was a 1950 graduate of Fairport Harding High School where she attained a straight A grade average. After graduation, she was employed as a secretary at G.E. Reed Co. She was a dedicated homemaker who loved baking and cooking and spending time with her husband and family. She married James R. “Lee” Cardina on May 16, 1953, at St. Anthony’s in Fairport, Ohio. They were married for 61 years and enjoyed dancing on weekends at Painesville Twp Park. 

Survivors are her loving daughter, Jeanne L. (Stanley) Dobrzeniecki of Mentor; cherished granddaughter, Keri L. (Brad) Kish, precious great-granddaughter, Rylee M. Kish and great-grandson, Evan M. Kish of Concord Twp; sister-in-law, Jerry Moritz. She was an aunt to many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents James A. Gavelda and Veronica M. (Mihaliak) Gavelda; brothers, John P. Gavelda and James M. Gavelda; sister, Mary A. Shetina; sisters-in-law, Nancy Oinonen, Patricia Mackey, Mary Ann Gavelda, Lucille Komendat, and Rose Shupp; brothers-in-law, Joseph Cardina, Anthony Komendat, Joseph Moritz, Sulo Oinonen, John Shetina, and Richard Shupp. 

There will be no calling hours. Mass for Christian Burial will be at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 316 5th St Fairport Harbor, OH on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM. PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Painesville.

A special thank you to the staff at Governor’s Pointe & Miracle City Hospice for all their care and support.

Contributions can be made to St. Anthony’s.