Corina Louise Cichomski

Corina “Cori” Louise Cichomski (née Castillo), 61, left this world on the evening of April 4, 2024. She was born in the small mining town of Ajo, Arizona on October 9, 1962 to parents Remberto and Elisa Castillo, and was the youngest of four. Growing up, Cori developed a passion for cooking and baking family recipes, a passion that continued well into adulthood. In high school, she played clarinet in the Ajo High School marching band and performed with them in Washington D.C. Cori enjoyed spending her free time with family and friends. She loved being around people just as much as people loved being around her.

Her family made frequent trips to the White Mountains, where Cori enjoyed fishing and camping along the creeks. Cori helped pass along this tradition to the next generation, with large family gatherings at Hawley Lake being the highlight of her summers. During these gatherings, everyone would fish, cook, play games, and enjoy each other’s company. Cori cherished these special moments.

At age 17, Cori moved to Flagstaff to attend Northern Arizona University. There, she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Cichomski. They first saw each other in Chemistry class and later got to know each other at a friend’s party. Throughout their college years, Cori and Bob enjoyed music, classes, the outdoors, and spending time with friends. Wherever they went, people knew it would always be the two of them showing up together, so much so that people always referred to them as “Cori & Bob.” After graduation, the two moved to Chandler, where Cori would live for the rest of her life. The two married at age 23 at St. Mary’s Church in a grand celebration with hundreds of guests. Altogether, they enjoyed 43 beautiful years by each other’s side. For the first few years after getting married, Cori worked in Marketing Management. Later on, Cori decided to be a homemaker, though she had a side business making ceramics with her sister, Sandi. One of her favorite things to do as a homemaker was bake for her loved ones. She perfected the family recipe for Cherry Cookies, handed down to her from her Aunt Emmy. Every Christmas, the kitchen became a cookie factory, with Cori baking dozens upon dozens of different cookie varieties to share with loved ones.

More than anything, Cori loved being a mother. After many years of trying to conceive, Cori finally gave birth to her only child, Sarah Cichomski, at age 37. Cori and Sarah enjoyed an especially strong bond, with their relationship growing closer each year. When Sarah was in grade school, Cori always volunteered for school activities, wanting to be involved in all of her child’s special moments. As Sarah grew older, the two frequently turned to each other for advice and comforting words. No matter what the situation was, the two knew that they always had each other.

As a family, Cori, Bob and Sarah loved to travel, with Disneyland and San Diego being their most frequented destinations. Cori’s inner child lit up any time she was at Disneyland. The Candy Palace was one of her favorite places in the world, and she enjoyed eating and sharing their toffee and fudge. Cori and her family traveled to Australia and New Zealand to celebrate Sarah’s high school graduation, as well as Hong Kong to visit Sarah in between study abroad programs.

Cori’s motherly love extended far beyond her own child. She often took care of her nieces and nephews after school and while they were on summer break. She loved taking them to places such as the library, zoo, mall, & cinema. She also helped them learn how to swim in her backyard, hosting swimming competitions for them and serving as the judge. Additionally, Cori always treated Sarah’s friends like children of her own. To this day, numerous people refer to Cori as their “second mom” due to how big of an impact she had on their lives. Cori enjoyed sweet treats, cute animals, shopping, everything Disney, and watching TV. She loved cheering for the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, and Arizona Diamondbacks whenever they played. She was a devout Catholic and constantly prayed for the well-being of her loved ones. Her diverse interests are remembered by everyone whose lives she touched.

Cori is survived by her husband Bob Cichomski; child Sarah Cichomski; mother Elisa Castillo; siblings Dave Castillo, Sandi Estrella, and Mike Castillo; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The funeral will take place on Friday, April 19th at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chandler, followed by graveside service & burial at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery. A visitation and rosary will be held the prior evening (Thursday, April 18th) from 4-6 p.m. at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery.