Maria Theresa Cordova

Westminster, Colorado

Maria was born in Denver, Colorado on February 2, 1958 to Carlos and Beatrice Padilla. She is survived by her loving family: Her husband Edmund Cordova, Daughter Melissa (Travis) Lockert, Daughter Danielle (Bill) Morales-Uresti, Stepchildren Brandon Cordova, Shawn (Frank) Cordova-Orsini, Grandchildren; Jordan (Jay) Morales, Justice (Justy) Lockert, David (Frog) Uresti, Nehemiah Lockert, Isaiah (IJ) Lockert, Natthias Lockert, Dakota (Kota Bird) Uresti, Great Grandchildren; August (Augie Booty), Xander (Boy Boy) Cornelius, Mother Beatrice Padilla, Siblings Carlos (Kathrine) Padilla, Yvonne Leyba, Randy Padilla, Richard (Tracy) Padilla, Bernadette Padilla, Rachel McPherson, Helen DeHerrera, Mark (Brenda) Medina-Padilla, Damian (Lynn) Padilla, Dismas Padilla, Numerous Nieces, Nephews and Great Nieces and Nephews. Maria is preceded in death by her Father Carlos Luis Padilla and Brother Michael Padilla.

At Maria's request, no service will be held.

Please feel free to leave messages of condolence on this website if you would like.

Those wishing to honor Maria's life can make donations in her name to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance ( ocrahope.org)

A Tribute to Maria Theresa (Padilla) Cordova

Our Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother

Maria was the cornerstone of our family. She was our rock. She was strong, fierce, and independent. If ever in her life she experienced a hardship, she did not let it stop her. She always persevered.

Mom was a wonderfully kind and giving woman. As a mom, she taught us that family is everything, but she also taught us that self-care and our own mental well-being was just as important in creating a happy and healthy life. She was so loving, that when she retired, she became a caregiver to both of her parents, and to her youngest granddaughter, Dakota.

She was so beautiful inside and out. She kept up with all the latest fashions and was not afraid to try the newest beauty trends. She would make us laugh when she would give us a new body butter or hair remedy that she had whipped up. If she had read about it in one of her beauty magazines you just knew that she would make it and we would all get to try it. One time, she took Lissa and Lee for a spray tan. When the three of them were finished, they headed over to one of the kid's baseball games. With time, the spray tan developed and they started to look like the little orange Oompa-Loompas from Willy Wonka. We all had a good laugh about that one.

Maria took great pride in her family and cherished her time with them. From the time her daughters were little, she had made it a priority to get out and seek new adventures, even if it was just a little weekend getaway. As the family grew, that tradition continued. She loved camping, road trips, and seeking out adventures with her family. One of her favorite activities was taking her grand babies on little walks to the playground or the pool.

She was always a cheerleader, teacher, counselor, healer, and hand holder to all of us. She was not afraid to tell us how it was or to "tough love" us when it was necessary. She prayed for us daily. Whenever there was a time she could not be at a sporting or school event, she would always text or call with well wishes and a prayer.

When Maria became ill, her passion for her family and God never wavered. She never wanted to be a burden to anyone or make anyone feel like they had to take care of her, even on her most challenging days. We would ask how she was doing, or how she was feeling, and she would always say "I'm ok". She was so brave.

We learned incredible lessons from her about being ourselves, self-love, unconditional love for each other, being kind and the true meaning of family. We are so grateful to have had her as such an incredible example of kindness, honesty, and strength. She will be truly and greatly missed and never forgotten.

One scripture that always comes to mind when thinking about her is Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

A Tribute to Maria Theresa (Padilla) Cordova Our Sister

What does the name Maria mean? The dictionary says it means THE SEA. This explains why she loved to travel anywhere where there was an ocean! The dictionary also references rebellious and beloved; an exalted one! We know the rebellious side of Maria and that was grand! We know that she is BELOVED by all of us, and by many who met her and spent time with her!

To us, MARIA is LOVE! She is our sister, our friend, our spiritual guidance!

She is a caring, devoted and generous spirit whose faithfulness in our Lord carried her throughout her life! She shared His word and messages of love and forgiveness!

She is a brave warrior (I hope Heaven is ready), taking whatever risks were necessary to have a good life and provide for a good life!

In her small and tiny ways, she gave us a mighty and resilient example of love and living!

She lived her life with kindness and dedication. She always made it a point to remember birthdays, anniversaries, and other important milestones, making sure to reach out to all her family members small and tall! She made those special days even more special!

Maria is also a cheerleader to all. She cheers on the players and would both celebrate a win and comfort the losses.

Her character is lovely, delicate and beautiful. But you felt her strength, courage and independence! She was one bad ---!

I say IS because WAS is not her. SHE is now. SHE is here. SHE will forever be a part of us and the Dirty Dozen!

Thank you for believing in family, especially in our SISTERHOOD!

Thank you for SHARING LOVE, SHOWING LOVE, AND ENJOYING LOVE!

Missing our Maria will be a life-long feeling. Our tears will come and go! Our good times with her, our travels, and the thoughts that we shared can never be taken away!

Only her physical presence has left us. ALL her love, goodness, and bravado we will hold onto for ALWAYS AND FOREVER!