Betty Cardoni; Animal Rights Activist

Betty Sherman Cardoni, a longtime animal rights activist in the San Fernando Valley, has died at a Van Nuys hospital. She was 75.

A Van Nuys resident, Ms. Cardoni died Feb. 22 of cancer, family members said.

Born in Chattanooga, Tenn., she came to California in the 1930s and settled in Van Nuys. She worked as an engineering administrator at both Marquardt Corp. and Superior Industries. She retired in 1982.

Ms. Cardoni founded Mercy Crusade, a Van Nuys-based nonprofit group that supports spay-and-neuter programs and investigations of animal cruelty. She also founded Tailwagger Foundation of America, which, in conjunction with Mercy Crusade, sponsors an annual animal adoption program.

Ms. Cardoni also worked on animal rights issues with officials from the Los Angeles Department of Animal Regulation and has fought to stop the use of impounded animals for medical research. Last year, she received a special commendation for her achievements from the Board of Animal Regulation.

She is survived by her mother, Bertha Sherman of Van Nuys; a nephew, David Sherman of Long Beach, and a niece, Carol Sherman of Calabasas.

At her request, there were no services. Pierce Brothers Valhalla Mortuary in North Hollywood handled the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ms. Cardoni’s name to Mercy Crusade, 16118 Cantlay St., Van Nuys 91406.