Mom, 4 years, lots of tears. You are/were a gem that lives forever in all your children's heart. Love and miss you and dad.  Grateful for the foundation and bond you built for us all. I know you and dad are enjoying heaven, being with family, and mostly being in the presence of God. Until we are together again, always you and dad in my daily thoughts and  heart.

Mom, another year has gone by. It's been 4 years since you've been gone, and though I've handled your passing better than I did Dad's, the impact of the "loss" of you is not better! Dad was so right and wise in saying that there is nothing like the love of a mother! I know that the love of Jesus surpasses all, and I am so grateful that I am secure in Him, but for earthly love, Dad was correct! Once you died, life changed and it has not been the same! Don't get me wrong as I'm so thankful and blessed that I have John, the kids and my grands, and if I lost them, I know the Lord would see me through, but I know that I would struggle with wanting to go on and I would never be the same (and I pray, as you did, that I never have to bury a child or grand of mine, and selfishly that John and I go together). But with losing you...life is has lost a special zeal. It's not the same anymore and it will never be! 
At work, I sit with clients who are in their 90's and I think of you and miss you, and other clients whose moms are of old as you would be, and it's hard mom, because I miss you so! I always tell them how blessed they are to still have their moms and to love on them lots. I think on how your last 12 hours I just kept kissing you and I wouldn't stop! Even after you passed I kept on because I knew I'd never again be able to kiss my beautiful, sweet, little mama! For you, it was probably a reminder of when I was a little girl, not leaving your side "bugging" you and not leaving you alone! I hope it wasn't too irritating for you. 
I love and miss you so, mama! I thank Jesus for giving me a beautiful mama and I pray I'm a blessing to my kiddos and grands. And I thank the Lord for all the memories I have of you, for all the time I got to spend with you, and all our "adventures" we had! Until we meet again. Please give Dad a hug and tell him I love and miss him dearly too!

Hi Mom and Dad.
Remembering you mom on this day. Time has gone so quickly. I know I/we all miss you each and every day. I know you are both happy being together, finally.  Our comfort while you are gone is the beautiful childhood memories you both have given us, and knowing we will be together again, all of us, with Jesus.  You were faithful servants to God, trying to instill what God asked of you and that was to teach us about our faith. Not always accepted, or practiced, but in the end, we all believe  and that is what is important.  Until then, I love you both more than words can express.
Mija #1 and your little chinita :)))))

August 14, 2023
Wow Mom, it's been 2 years already.  I haven't been able to sit here and add anything much since the loss is still much too painful.  Too add insult to the pain, a song is playing in the background..."everybody hurts", by R.E.M.   EVERYDAY, everyday I think about you. Not to lessen the love for dad, the most amazing man in the world, and in my life, but he said it best......."mija, there is nothing in this world like a mother".    As usual, he was correct. 
But rather than succumb to the hurt and pain mom, I acquire my inspiration from you, and your adapted pain as being an orphan, and living a God-fearing, positive life, squeezing every good and loving and appreciative minute God gave you to breath until your last breath.  We never have seemed to see eye to eye, but that doesn't mean you are loved any less. My inert stubbornness and determination from you and dad most likely, without your fiery determination (and stubbornness)  to restrain and discipline with love, probably would have unleashed a hell raiser beyond my brothers.   I don't think life has turned out too bad for me though, and I thank you (& dad) for everything you gave, sacrificed, and did with all the challenges you both had separately in your young lives.
You have given all of us the BEST memories;  that childhood love & security forever impressionable  "home" at 228 Chestnut Ave.  I look forward to the day we are all together, where Jesus went to prepare our "mansion" , (with more than one bathroom for all the Cordova's) . Until that day, I know you and dad are so happy, magnified being with all the Ortiz family, and even more inexpressible.....being with our mighty savior, Jesus.   
Until that time, you (and dad), are in my heart, deeply felt with an abundance of  irreplaceable love missing you immensely.  And daily, passing the coffee table a million times a day, your beautiful photo on the cover of your book reminds me how blessed I am to call you mom.

BLEEDING HEART 💔

The 7 month marker is soon approaching; hard to believe how fast it's encroaching.

Each day that passes seems to fly right by, yet the pain still brings a flood of tears to my eyes. 

I sit in a daze, in utter disbelief; as the pain lingers on and it's name is grief. 

I know over time my heart will heal, but for right now, it is bleeding still. 

I thank my Heavenly Father above, 
For giving me such a wonderful mother to love.

How I love the memory of her beautiful face, and all the fun we used to chase. 

Will that help to replace the grief and sorrow, 
so happiness and joy can fill my tomorrows?

I share my pain with my Lord and Savior. Tis not in vain; He will show me favor. 

For He knows the emptiness in my heart;
Comfort and love He faithfully imparts. 

As He sees me thru this difficult season, it'll be exchanged as I begin to reason 

Through the loss I feel so deep inside, 
To the Holy of Holies where I run and hide. 

And in the midst of His glorious presence,
He wipes my tears and let's me glimpse Heaven.

Where once again I will be with my Mom... My Dad and others whom I deeply love. 

But better than that, if you can even fathom, I'll be with Jesus and nothing else will matter.

Mom, I truly am at peace for you, but my mind is still trying to wrap around that you're gone!

Oh how I long to see your smile, to call you and hear your voice.

Time is weird...I can't believe it's been FIVE MONTHS since I saw you or talked to you! It seems like it was just the other day, yet it feels like it's been forever.

I miss you! I just miss you!!
♥ Rachel 

The clock is ticking and time just flies. 
I sit and watch another year go by.


This one is different for you're not here, 
To usher in another new year. 


Cry if I must as I mourn and grieve, 
The loss of you, mom, and the years I can never retrieve. 


But this year is different for I have learned, 
It's a matter of perspective that changes how I yearn.


Not for things of the past or my current stance, 
but rather the hope for my future that thru Christ will last.


And once again I will be able to see, 
My long awaited hope to be again with thee.


I love you, Mom. 💖 ~Rachel

Hi Mom, Hi Dad 
Well, today is the last day of 2021. Christmas has come and gone. I know it was your favorite holiday,  making Pasole and having tamales. Mostly, it was about the family gathering together- a tradition well before I was even born with the Ortiz family! You (and dad) were constantly thought about during this 2021 holiday season. Emptiness abounded, but nonetheless, I held onto  memories of Christmas' past with us as a family which created a warmth in my heart which comforted the sadness of missing you!     Amy gifted me a beautiful tree ornament with your photo, and there in the center of our tree, at eye level,  was your beautiful smile which got me through the holiday. Your smile outshined every light and glistening ornament!   The memory of you had a such profound presence that was almost palpable .  I shall keep the ornament near me always. There is going to be some closure with the new year beginning, as new years usually bring. No resolutions for me, but for 2022, I take with me your strength, your wisdom, and yes, even your stubbornness! I hold tight to the ever cherished memories of the craziness and love that forever lives on from Chestnut Ave.  Perhaps you and Dad can or have been looking down, watching all of us. We are all "settled in" with this "senior" phase of our lives, still creating some memories for ourselves within the years we all have left. The greatest comfort for me is knowing we each are on the closer spectrum of being united all together sooner than later. Dad must be so elated to have you with him, and mostly to be in heaven together with our Creator.  Never shall  the emptiness be filled, but rather, just perhaps a bit more tolerable with time.  The feeling of just being a phone call away will never cease. As Dad has always said, "nothing like a mother's love".   How so very true! I  Love and miss you both, Love, Mija Teresa

As each day passes, the sting of missing you--longing to hug you, touch you, give you a kiss, tell you "I love you", to thank you for being such a beautiful, loving, & nurturing mama, and serving you becomes more real...more pronounced, but I will choose to view it, not as each day takes me further away from when I was last with you, but rather each day that goes by is a day closer to when I will get to see you again (and you, too, Dad)!

The pain of you gone is so real & strong, but I will choose to remember how blessed we all were to have a Mom, Nana, sister, aunt, cousin & friend, who showed us all how to love the Lord, family & others and to live life to the fullest being kind & loving to all; trusting God in all things for He knows best and the importance of knowing Him so we will be together again. Love you forever and always, my sweet beautiful Mama. 💖✝️

CARMEN’S POEM

In a small town a long time ago, lived a beautiful lady, one we all know.
She started her life a little bit rough, but God is good and His grace is enough. 
She moved away and soon she would be, Mrs. Harry Cordova and
start a family.
The home was small but nevertheless, with Carmen in charge, it was never a mess! 
The chores were done and the children were fed, and when dad got home he would tuck them in bed. 
For life was simple yet blessed beyond measure, a family like this was really a treasure.
And as time went on love continued to grow, in a tiny house until it was time to go. 
Arizona would be the place to stay, and as the children grew, some moved away. 
But before they knew it, grandchildren would be, added to this family. 
Love and laughter are what they would bring, then great-grandchildren, it made their hearts sing.
Then Harry Sr passed, yet Carmen stood strong, making her own way as life moved along. 
She danced with her friends and held to her faith, she spent time with family, oh the trips they would take. 
Loving life and thanking God for each day, knowing He’s watched over her every step of the way.
Yet time moves on, yes it waits for none, but with each new morning, she would rise with the sun. 
Thanking God for all that she had, every moment of the day, one thing Carmen knew, if it’s God’s will, He would always make a way.
And as the years passed and her time grew near, Carmen would face it without any fear. 
Surrounded by family was her only request, then God did what He does best. 
He heard her prayers and brought her home, to be with her loved ones, for she was never alone.
In the arms of her Savior is where she now rests, the Lord knew when to take her, for He always knows best. 
For now she watches over the ones that she loves, your guardian angel from heaven above.....

Words by Amy Pileggi

OBITUARY

Carmen M. Cordova

October 24, 1929 – August 14, 2021

Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary & Cremation Center

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