Shiela B. Cardwell

Shiela (Buttigieg) Cardwell, 87, of Henderson, KY, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Shiela was born in Paola, Malta, on February 21, 1939, to the late Arthur Buttigieg and Maria "Lucy" Coleiro.

At the age of 18, Shiela met the love of her life, Billy, while he was stationed in Malta with the U.S. Navy. After their marriage, she left her homeland and immigrated to the United States to begin a new chapter by his side. What began as a beautiful love story grew into a life filled with family, laughter, adventure, and unconditional love.

Over the years, Shiela built a remarkable life centered around faith, family, hard work, and generosity. She was a devoted member of the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church and lived her faith through service, love, and dedication to her family. She took great pride in ensuring her children attended the church's school, where they were grounded in the values and traditions that were so important to her. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to those she loved. Six children, seventeen grandchildren, twenty four great-grandchildren, along with many extended relatives and cherished friends later, her legacy is one that words can hardly capture.

Shiela was hardworking, kind, patient, funny, loving, and just the right amount of stubborn. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome and cared for, and her love touched more lives than she probably ever realized. She was an amazing mother to her children and a devoted grandmother who took great pride in her family.

She loved to dance and travel with Billy, creating treasured memories together throughout their more than 60 years of marriage. She also enjoyed drinking coffee and sharing laughter with her dear friends Donna Hall, Sondy Duckworth, and Michelle Tremper.

In addition to caring for her family, Shiela was a talented seamstress and successful business owner. She owned and operated her own custom curtain business for many years, creating beautiful pieces that reflected her creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication. Her sewing room was one of her favorite places, filled with fabric, patterns, and projects that showcased the talent she so generously shared with others.

Shiela also expressed her love through cooking. Her kitchen was often the heart of her home, where family, friends, neighbors, and visitors were always welcome. She found great joy in preparing meals, gathering loved ones around her table, and making sure no one ever left hungry. Whether sharing a meal, a cup of coffee, or a conversation, she had a special gift for making people feel at home.

Although she built a wonderful life in the United States, Malta always remained close to her heart. She was proud of her Maltese heritage and cherished the memories, traditions, and family connections that tied her to her homeland.

More than anything, Shiela's greatest gift was her ability to make people feel loved. Through her kindness, generosity, laughter, home-cooked meals, and unwavering devotion to her family, she left an imprint on countless lives. We are deeply grateful for the memories, lessons, and love she gave so freely. In her memory, we celebrate the remarkable life she lived and the family she helped build.

Shiela was preceded in death by her husband of more than sixty years, William Carl "Billy" Cardwell; her parents, Arthur Buttigieg and Maria "Lucy" Coleiro; one sister, Josephine "Jessie" Buttigieg; and one daughter, Rose Marie Cardwell.

Survivors include five children:

William "Bill" Carl Cardwell, Jr. (Wife Teresa),

Margie "Diann" Buckman (Husband Jonathon)

Vivian Lee Westfall (Husband Donnie),

Jessica Ann Parker (Husband Scott),

Arthur "Wayne" Cardwell (Wife Mary)

Seventeen grandchildren:

Nicholas Thomas, Jennifer Lynn Hall, Danna Marie Cook (Hall), Megan Irene Dixon (Hall), William "Rollie" Deno, LaTosha Rebecca Denton, Marcus Dewayne Denton, Natalie Rayne Skipworth, Rachael Nicole Williams (Skipworth), Madison Shane Buckman, Bradley Neal Hutcheison, Matthew Allen Hutcheison, Tiffany Dawn Casper, Katrina Marie Leaf (Casper), Gracie Ann Parker, Ethan Willam Cardwell, Emma Grace Cardwell, and twenty four great grandchildren.

Caretakers include: LaTosha Denton, Britteny Cardwell, Ethan Cardwell, and Wanda Whittaker

While her family mourns her passing, they find comfort in knowing that her love, traditions, values, and legacy will continue through the generations she helped shape. The lessons she taught, the memories she created, and the love she shared so freely will be cherished forever. She will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and never forgotten.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM, Friday, June 19, 2026 at Tomblinson Funeral Home  Henderson Chapel with Father Richard Meredith officiating.  Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.   Visitation will be 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Friday, June 19, 2026 at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Jonathan Buckman, Scott Parker, Noah Leaf, Ethan Cardwell, Brad Hutchieson and Zeke Williams.