She joined the militias that formed in Teziutlán against the invading troops of the Second French Empire alongside her husband, Gabino Ortega, commander of the cavalry troops, who was killed in military action.
[5] She worked in the infirmary of the army of the Federal Republic of Mexico, where she met Porfirio Díaz.
[5] In 1864, Calderón was injured when a bullet hit the left side of her neck, exiting through her mouth.
[5][6] Calderón was married to Gabino Ortega, who headed the Light Cavalry that formed in Teziutlán with deserters from the French army.
Calderón, who was fighting alongside her husband, was forced to abandon his body in order to escape with their weapons.