In Loving Memory of Gina Cardinali

November 27, 2025

We write this with tears in our eyes. On Thanksgiving Day, we learned of the devastating and sudden loss of our dear friend Gina Cardinali. Gina leaves a hole in the hearts of her only child, Natascha Birkmayer, her brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. As we grieve this true treasure, we ask that our community come together to support her daughter during this unimaginable time.

Natascha is a wonderful, full-of-life young woman who is special to all of Gina's family and friends—we have known her since the day she was born. She is a 24-year-old college student, working two jobs to put herself through school while fully supporting herself. For almost all of Natascha's life, it was just the two of them. Now Natascha is alone with no immediate family, facing not only the shock and grief of losing her mother, but also the overwhelming task of arranging and financing a wake, funeral, and settling her mom's affairs.

As she moves through this painful and emotional time, we want to help lift even a small part of the burden she is carrying.

About Gina

Gina was born and raised in Hoboken, New Jersey. She cherished her family roots in the tri-state area, the culture of family gatherings, her church connection at St. Ann's, and the energy of city life in Manhattan. After earning her undergraduate degree from Upsala College in New Jersey and her Master's in Social Work from Fordham University, she moved to Albuquerque with her then-husband, where she became a Research Scientist at the University of New Mexico. This is where Natascha was born and raised.

Gina dedicated her professional life to helping those in need through her research and published work. As a mother, she encouraged Natascha to explore many cultures and inspired her to become a strong, confident young woman who cares deeply for others—and for animals too.

How Your Donation Will Help

We are coming together to support Natascha during this heartbreaking time. Natascha has no assets other than her regular paycheck to cover these unexpected expenses. Your generosity will help ease the immediate financial burden of:

• Transporting Gina back to Hoboken for her final resting place

• Wake and funeral services

• Reception for grieving loved ones

• Natascha's travel to New Jersey and back to New Mexico

• Clearing and storing her mom's belongings

• Any legal costs and final bills

Donations will go to help Natascha cover these costs. Our goal reflects the real expenses she is facing, and every donation—no matter how small—brings her one step closer to stability during the darkest moment of her life.

Please share this page. Your support, your prayers, and your love mean more than words can express.

Thank you for helping us lift up Natascha as she navigates a loss no family should ever endure. Together, we can give her the strength and support she desperately needs.

With love and gratitude,

Friends of Gina

If you had the blessing of knowing Gina, you know her vivacious spirit and kind heart will be forever missed.

NOTE: GoFundMe automatically sets a tip amount on top of your donation. You can adjust the amount by clicking on the custom tip option, which can be set to a little as $0.