A faithful Catholic, a cherished wife and a loving mother, Joan Irene Cardoza went to be with the Lord on May 16th, 2025 at the age of 83. Born in Hanford, May 29th, 1941, to Abel and Mary (Caetano/Katen) Silva, Joan was the third of four children.
​
In 1959, Joan married Johnny Cardoza Sr. whom she had met at a Portuguese festa in Hanford. They moved to their ranch in Caruthers where they lived for the rest of their lives. It was there that they raised their 5 children in the Catholic faith and in the vineyard. Stories of Joan working in the field with her young children, while pregnant, served as an example to her family of what hard work and dedication is.
​
The best example Joan gave her family, and others, was one of living her faith as a pious Catholic and serving as an active volunteer at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Caruthers. She was part of a small group who were instrumental in building the church both physically and spiritually. Joan was past president of the Caruthers Catholic Women's Society, she led the music ministry for over 20 years, was a Catechism teacher, certified Master Catechist, as well as the director of religious education for 35 years.
​
At home it was common for visitors to walk in and see Joan watching daily mass for the 2nd or even 3rd time that day or listening to a rosary. Early every morning Joan prayed three rosaries for her family; one for health & well-being, one for safe travel to work, and one for special need intentions. Recently Joan shared that every night she prayed for each member of her family by name, all 75 of us, and it would take her an hour.
​
Joan was a generous giver with her time and resources. For as long as she was physically capable, Joan attended as many of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's events as she could. Everything from receiving their sacraments to graduations, sporting events and dance recitals. Besides her church, Joan donated to many charitable organizations, and she never turned down a grand or great while fundraising.

For many, many years Joan opened her home every month to celebrate what the family calls "Birthdays of the Month"; which is credited to the large family staying so close.

Joan was a member of several Portuguese fraternal organizations including IDES, SPRSI, Luso Americano, the Society of St. Anthony, and Santa Maria Magdalena. She was named SPRSI Fraternalist of the Year in 1997 for her many years of dedication & leadership to the church & the Portuguese community.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband Johnny Cardoza Sr., her grandson Johnny "Joseph" Cardoza III and siblings, Clementine "Clemmy", Clement "Bud" & Elise "Laverne" Silva.
​
Joan is survived by her children, Johnny Jr (Susan), Anthony (Donna), Stephen (Gerrie), & Paul (Agnes) Cardoza and Mary Golden Placido (Manuel). She has 22 grandchildren (9 grand in-laws), 33 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, and many more who became family along the way.
​
If you are interested in donating in Joan's memory, her wishes were for it to be given to the children's Vacation Bible School at Our Lady of the Assumption. Please make checks out to St. Jude Catholic Church, and in the memo write "VBS". Mail to St. Jude Catholic Church at 208 W. Jefferson, Fresno, CA 93706.