Sandy Lea Cordova

Sandy Lea Cordova, 66, passed away on October 23, 2026. She was born on November 5, 1959, in Dallas, Texas, and made her home in Richmond, Texas.

Sandy was a devoted wife to Andy, a loving mother to Courtney, Brittany, and Kyle, and a cherished Mimi to her beloved grandsons, Hayes and Holt. Her life was centered around faith, family, and a genuine desire to make everyone she encountered feel loved, welcomed, appreciated, and seen. She had a special way of making people feel at home, and her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

In elementary school Sandy’s dad got transferred to Houston and a year later Andy moved in next door. A few years later Sandy moved away, but their moms kept in touch. Sandy graduated from Memorial High School in 1977, attended Sam Houston State University and then went on to work at Hydril. Andy and Sandy’s moms exchanged their numbers and they reconnected at the Marriott Hotel Bar. They became great friends and it turned into a beautiful relationship. The lovebirds were married in Houston in March 1987 and shortly after Andy was transferred to Midland. They were blessed with their first baby girl, Courtney in 1989 and about a year later were transferred back home to Houston. Sandy was an adoring stay at home mom and in 1992 they were blessed with their precious Brittany, and in 1996 they had their handsome boy, Kyle. Sandy’s heart for caring for others was evident throughout her life. She began volunteering at her children’s schools before going on to work at Mother’s Day Out when Kyle was in preschool. She later continued her career in education at Huggins Elementary in Fulshear and Adolphus Elementary in Lamar CISD.. Her compassion extended far beyond the classroom. Even throughout her own treatment at MD Anderson, she never lost sight of the people caring for her. She made a point to remember each nurse and caregiver by name, writing personalized notes to thank them for their kindness. Even in the midst of her own challenges, she found ways to make others feel appreciated. That was simply who Sandy was.

Her greatest joys were found in the everyday moments spent with the people she loved. She treasured family traditions including The Annual Rudolph Lufkin Trip, Cordova Christmas celebrations filled with Family Jeopardy, concerts with Andy and the kids, going on family vacations to the beach and Gruene, and spent most weekends with family and friends at Lake Somerville. Some of her favorite vacations were going to Alaska and this past summer going on a family cruise. She loved antiquing with Andy, every Friday night was devoted to Margaritas and Mexican food, watching funny movies with Kyle, attending retreats and Bible studies with her sisters-in-laws and daughter, Courtney, and getting her nails done and coffee dates with Brittany. Some of her happiest moments were the simplest ones, like making funny faces over FaceTime just to bring a smile to her grandsons’ faces. She always knew how to find joy in family and friends being together, and those little moments became memories her family will carry forever.

Sandy is survived by the love of her life and best friend, Andy Cordova; her children, Courtney Kerr, Brittany Cordova, and Kyle Cordova, her son-in-law, Harrison Kerr; and her beloved grandsons, Hayes Kerr, and Holt Kerr. She also leaves behind her siblings, Kurt von Plonski, Leslie Chriswell, and Kelly von Plonski.

Sandy found happiness in the things she nurtured and created. She loved tending to her beloved plumerias (that she learned to love from her son-in-law, Harrison), watching hummingbirds visit her garden and naming them with her grandsons, crocheting thoughtful gifts for loved ones, painting rocks, and decorating her home. She also gave her time coloring lunch bags for Love, a nonprofit organization that provides weekend/holiday meals to children in need. She enjoyed worship music, time with friends and family, and, perhaps most of all, a good cup of hot coffee. Her favorite colors were black, pink, and purple, although her grandsons would always insist that yellow was her true favorite.

Above all, Sandy wanted others to know the love of the Lord and to extend that same love to one another. Her faith guided her life, but it was the way she lived that made it most evident: through her generosity, compassion, intentional thoughtfulness, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years, but in the lives she touched, the traditions she created, and the love she gave so freely. Her greatest wish was that everyone she encountered would feel valued, remembered, and never overlooked.

Her favorite Scripture offers comfort and reflects the faith that guided her throughout her life:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1

Sandy’s love will live on through her family, the traditions they will continue, the gardens she so lovingly nurtured, and the countless lives she touched. Though her absence will be deeply felt, the warmth of her love and the beauty of her spirit will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Flowers are welcome in celebration of Sandy’s life. For those who wish to honor her love of gardening, memorial plants may also be donated to the family to be placed in and enjoyed in Sandy’s personal greenhouse. Each plant will serve as a living tribute to something she cherished, continuing to grow and bloom in a place that brought her so much happiness.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park Southwest Funeral Home, 9040 FM 359, Richmond, TX 77406, on November 1, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held the following day, Monday, November 2, 2026 at Parkway United Methodist, 5801 New Territory Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm