Christine Cardona passed away peacefully on the morning of December 7th, 2013, with both of her daughters by her side. Christine was born in Mannheim, Germany on November 21, 1940 to Karl Friedrich Litschinger and Maria Litschinger and lived in Germany until the age of 19.
She met and married an American soldier (Tino Cardona) and they both later moved to the United States with their first born daughter. After the birth of her second daughter, Christine was a stay at home mom for awhile until she went to work at one of the packing houses in Fillmore. When Christine was not working and taking care of her family, she did what she loved best and that was swimming (she was a swimmer from a very early age while living in Germany). She spent most of her summer months at the Fillmore High School swimming pool, where she met a group of other women swimmers. They all immediately became friends and would swim together for years to come. Christine started working at JC Penney’s in Ventura in the early 70’s and worked there for 32 years. She met and made many friends while working at JC Penney’s and absolutely loved her job.
Christine was a beautiful woman, a loving mother and grandmother (who is known to her grandchildren as “Oma”), who loved her family and cherished every day of her life. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her and her memory will live on in their hearts forever. Christine is preceded in death by her mother, Maria Litschinger of Ladenburg, Germany and sister, Klara Becker also of Ladenburg, Germany.
She is survived by daughters, Joann Cardona of Santa Paula and Marina Cardona Campos of Ventura, grandchildren, Christine Cardona Threadgill (Tyler) of Simi Valley, Brandon Campos, Andrew Campos and Lauren Campos of Ventura, and great-grandchildren, Amelia Threadgill and Alexander Threadgill of Simi Valley. She is also survived by Tino Cardona whom she was married to for 17 years. Christine leaves behind sisters-in-law, Jenny Herrera, Penny Cardona and Amelia Mulberry, and also Lupe Dominguez, Elsie Cardona and Monica Castro who preceded her in death. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. Christine’s family would like to thank Marie Ramos who lovingly cared for her for 3 years and also the staff at Fillmore Convalescent Center for their excellent care.
A graveside service will be held at 11a.m., Thursday December 12, 2013 at Bardsdale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers you may send a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guestbook, share stories, and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Christine's name located below "Recent Obituaries".
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the family owned and operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Services, Santa Paula 805.229.7054