Veronica Cardona
Veronica “Ronnie” Cardona, 83, of Ramona, California, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 31, 2025.
Obituary
Born on February 7, 1942, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Veronica lived a life marked by faith, love, and resilience. In her later years, she shared her life with her beloved husband, Ray Cardona, who remained faithfully by her side. Earlier in life, she was married to Leo T. Dufresne for 55 years until his passing in 2014. As a military wife, she embraced the adventure of moving around the United States and even spent time living in Italy while raising a family.
Veronica had a deep love for children and operated a home daycare for many years, providing a safe and nurturing environment for countless little ones. Her dedication also extended to fellow daycare providers, forming friendships that endured for over four decades.
She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—tending to her rose bushes and ivy, watching hummingbirds from her porch, the color purple, and savoring a good frozen strawberry margarita. She cherished walks hand-in-hand with Ray and had a lifelong affection for dogs, especially Duke. In earlier years, she enjoyed bowling and playing cards with family. But above all, her greatest accomplishment and source of pride were her children and their families, whose love, laughter, and milestones brought her endless joy and fulfillment throughout her life.
She is survived by her husband, Ray Cardona; her children: Leo (Cindy) Dufresne Jr., Tom (Crystal) Dufresne, Nancy (Chris) Linder, and Wayne Dufresne (partner Cori Barbieri); grandchildren: Jessica (Eric) Murphy, Clarissa Dufresne, Mike Dufresne, and Brad (Deziree) Dufresne; and great-grandchildren: Ava Tenerelli, Maren Tenerelli, and Cadmus Dufresne. She also embraced her stepchildren: Denise Cardona and Gil (Lori) Cardona; and step-grandchildren: Belle, Jack, Griffin, Melissa (James) Brock, Steven (Danielle) Ammerman, Joseph Ammerman, and Joshua Cardona. She is further survived by countless extended family members, including brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Marie Gray, and sisters Barbara Metevier and Eileen Dufresne.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Community Church in Ramona, CA. Attendees are encouraged to wear something purple in her honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choosing in her name.
Memory wall
