Lucy Cordova

1926-2017 Maria de la Luz “Lucy” Gabaldon Cordova born in 1926 to the family of Ramon B. and Martita Gabaldon fought hard against illness in the last few years of her life, but succumbed on the morning of September 11, 2017. She died peacefully surrounded by her loving children. She was the 8th child of a family of eleven children. She had a wonderful childhood and had a very special bond with her father. She was a mischievous and fun-loving child who provided lots of laughs for her classmates. In her high school years she played the piano as her friends and classmates danced after school doing the jitterbug. Her husband, Libinio Cordova was serving in the U.S. Army during WWII and at the age of 16, Lucy and Libinio were married and after a short time she joined him in Florida. Lucy and her husband had 4 children while living on their Los Chavez farm. She was a very energetic woman who always worked hard taking care of her home and children. Later, when they moved to Los Lunas, she worked for the Los Lunas Schools Cafeteria and became the head cook and supervisor. She also catered many wedding receptions in the area and became a mentor to other caterers. Lucy had a keen mind and touched many lives. Her grandchildren adored her and they all gravitated towards her. Lucy became a widow at age 64 and her children and grandchildren became more important and attentive towards her. She had a wonderful family and had frequent lunches with her sisters; all beautiful women. Lucy enjoyed excursions with her sisters and best friends, Toni and Helen. She kept busy all the time and enjoyed embroidery, baking, cooking and sewing. Lucy is preceded in death by her husband, Libinio Cordova; son, Dean Francis Cordova; granddaughter, Elsa Martinez; parents, Ramon and Martita Gabaldon y Gabaldon; son- in-law, Carlos Martinez Sr.; as well as her 10 siblings: Antonia Padilla, Nina Chavez, Doroteo Gabaldon, Faustina Reyes, Aurora Vallejos, Josephine Gabaldon, Alicia Cordova, Helen Salas, Raymond Gabaldon and Freddie Gabaldon. She leaves behind her loving children, Elizabeth (Betty) Gallegos, Rosemay Martinez, Michael (Roselyn) Cordova; and her many grandchildren: Terri Ann Garcia, Jerome (Liz) Garcia, Jason Garcia, Carlos (Nicole) Martinez, Maria (Forrest) Darst, Juanita (Joseph) Altobello, Alberto (Jennifer) Martinez, Andrea Cordova-Wolfe, Salina (Chris) Sais, Analisa (Sam) Hawkins, Miguel (Karlene) Cordova, Armando (Mary) Cordova, Dean Cordova Jr. and Max (Jenny) Cordova. She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. All services will be held at San Clemente Catholic Church on Friday, September 15, 2017. A Viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 10:00 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, September 18, 2017 at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Carlos Martinez Jr., Jerome Garcia, Alberto Martinez, Jason Garcia, Dean F. Cordova Jr., Miguel Cordova, Armando Cordova and Max Cordova. Honorary Pallbearers will be Chris Sais, Joseph Altobello, Forrest Darst and Sam Hawkins. The family would like to thank all of the wonderful family and caregivers who helped care for her in her final months. Please sign Lucy’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM.

Lucy Cordova

September 16, 1926 - September 11, 2017