Zelma H. Cardinal, 95, passed away Thursday, February 1st, at Elderwood of Liverpool. She was born in Syracuse on June 13, 1928, graduated from Minoa High School and lived all her life in the Syracuse area. Zelma married the love of her life, Donald J. Cardinal, and they made their home in Baldwinsville, NY. They opened their home to several children through foster care and adopted four children to love and raise as their own.
She was employed by the labs at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital for 25 years, a position from which she retired in 2006 and left with many fond memories and great friends.  Zelma was a communicant of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Baldwinsville for much of her life.

In her later years, daughter, Pat, and son-in-law, Mike helped care for her until Pat's passing in 2022. She moved to Brookdale Assisted Living where she was cared for and continued to build great friendships.

She was pre-deceased by her parents Otto H. Hayes, Sr., and Winifred (Nortz) Hayes; husband Donald J. Cardinal; daughter Patricia Actisdano;  four brothers Paul , John, Hubert and Otto Hayes; sister Mary Chrysler, sisters-in-law Arlene, Wilma, and Mary Ann Hayes.

Zelma is survived by her daughter Teresa Burrhus, Cross Plains TX; two sons, Timothy M (Caroline), Moyock, NC, and Jeffrey J. (Kelly) Fairport, NY; son-in-law Michael Actisdano; six grandchildren, Christiana, Tommy, Laura, Sarah, Madison, and Grace; sister-in-law Alice Hayes; and many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 11am to 1pm Tuesday, February 6, at Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer Street, Baldwinsville. A funeral service will begin at 1PM. Zelma will be laid to rest with Don at Riverview Cemetery, 70 Tappan Street in Baldwinsville.