Veronica Jo Edgar

Veronica “Cardie” Edgar passed away unexpectedly on September 13th, 2025, in San Diego, California, at the age of 66, due to stage IV non-small cell carcinoma and congestive heart failure. Her family is deeply saddened and shocked by her sudden death.

Cardie was born on August 20th, 1959, in Panama City, Florida and was the daughter of a U.S. Air Force Officer. Growing up in a military family meant moving several times throughout her childhood, including a major relocation to Okinawa, Japan. She was raised in Denver, Colorado until her senior year of high school, then moved to Ada, Oklahoma where she graduated from Byng High School in 1977. She then went on to study Business at East Central University.

Cardie worked for Showbiz Pizza Time, Inc. (now Chuck E. Cheese’s), for 13 years where she was the General Manager. She worked in three different locations in Colorado before she was transferred to a location in Escondido, California in 1990. In 1992, she met the love of her life, David, at the Padres’ Skybox. The two married in Las Vegas in 1995 and soon after San Diego became her forever home. There she and David had two children; daughter Victoria and son Cooper.

After spending a decade as a full-time mom, Cardie re-entered the workforce, pursuing her passion for books and education as a school librarian. She worked at multiple schools in the Vista Unified School District, including Bobier Elementary, Vista Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, before finding her long-term home at Mission Meadows Elementary where she spent 13 years. Two major accomplishments of hers were establishing the Friday Morning Sing and the Millionaire’s Club, where children were rewarded for reading millions of words throughout the year. In 2022, she was honored with a Heroes of Vista Award by the Vista Chamber of Commerce, recognizing her devotion to students and her talent for fostering a lifelong love of reading. She also received commendations from the California State Assembly, California State Senate, and the United States Congress for her work.

Cardie was known for her fiery spirit, sense of humor, and infectious energy. She had a zest for life that drew people to her. Those who knew her also loved her for her generosity and huge heart; she did whatever she could to be of service to others. One example of her selflessness is that she volunteered to create the costumes for all grade level school plays and she never asked for recognition or reimbursement. Her interests included reading, thrift shopping, visiting casinos, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and musical theater. One of her favorite activities was attending the Moonlight Amphitheater with her friend Lisa. A gifted and creative soul, she also expressed herself through stained glass, ceramics, painting, crocheting and sewing.

She is survived by her loving husband David Edgar, children Victoria and Cooper Edgar, stepson Sean Edgar, grandchild Braeyen Edgar, and her beloved dogs Tesla and Toby. She will also be deeply missed by her siblings and their families: Debbie Benefield, Rita & David Tillinghast, Mary & Bill Nemmers, Joe & Julie Allard, and Tricia & Paul Whorton. Cardie’s memory lives on in her many nieces and nephews: Erin & Jason Hendrickson, Nick & Amber Tillinghast, Veronica & Matt Rodis, Brad Nemmers, Kellie & Phil Dudovicz, Kristie & Greg Rockenback, Bryan & AJ Benefield, Tim Benefield, Ryan Whorton, Taylor & Katie Whorton, Christine & Staton Gibson, Aaron Edgar, Ryan Edgar, Chris Edgar, Lee Edgar, and Justin Edgar.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Merlin Irving Allard and Veronica Anna Allard, and her sister Toni Beebe.

A funeral Mass will be held in her honor on Tuesday, September 30th, at 3:00 PM at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Oceanside, California.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Veronica Jo Edgar, please visit our floral store.