Rosario Cordova

Rosario “Chayito” Cordova, 91 years old, passed away on January 29, 2024, surrounded by her family. Rosario will always be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose love knew no bounds. She dedicated her life to her family, embracing her role with grace, warmth, and unwavering love. Her kind heart and nurturing spirit touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

She was born February 26, 1932, in Oaxaca, Mexico, to her parents Bartolo and Elvira. She is preceded by both parents and her only sibling/brother, Armando.

On December 22, 1958, Rosario married Adolfo “Fito” Cordova (deceased) in a quaint Catholic Church in Nogales, Sonora. They met in Guadalajara, Mexico and for several years dreamed of pursuing a fruitful life in the United States. Not long after their marriage, they immigrated to Nogales, Arizona. It was in Nogales, a place unfamiliar to them, where she and Fito began to build a new life and family.

Rosario is survived by her five adoring children and their families, Odette and Raul Rubio (deceased); Edgar and Maggie Cordova; Hector and Fay Cordova; Shelly and Tony Valencia; and Fabian and Stephanie Cordova. Rosario was an exemplary mother and woman. She personified the best of qualities: unconditional love, profound faith, endless generosity, and kindness. Each of her children is a testament to her love and guidance, which she took immense pride in as well as their accomplishments and the families they created.

Her memory will also be treasured by her grandchildren, Gregory Rubio; Andrea and Nicolette Cordova; Andrew and Christian Cordova; Yvette, Jessica, and Nicolas Valencia; and Alicia, Mateo, and Olivia Cordova. Rosario’s love for her grandchildren was immeasurable, and she showered them with affection, wisdom, and unwavering support. Her love will forever be a part of their hearts.

Rosario and Fito ran their own business for many years in Nogales. While she worked many hours outside the home, Rosario was a traditional Mexican mother whose true satisfaction came from hard work within the home. She prepared many meals with loving affection, including her famously wonderful dishes Albondigas, Sopitas, Gorditas con Queso y Frijoles, Mole, Birria and many more. The neighborhood children also enjoyed her cooking. Many of her birthdays were celebrated with “Serenatas,” with Mariachis playing at 3:00 o’clock in the morning (thanks to her husband Fito!). She is known as “Abuelita” to all her grandchildren, to whom she lovingly referred to each as “Mi Chiquito” or “Mi Chiquita.” She looked forward to attending all her grandchildren’s school functions and graduations as they were her pride and joy.

Her unshakeable optimism came from her religious faith. She was a long-time active member and leader of the local Nogales Rosary Group (curiously, her full name is Maria del Rosario, which translates to Mary of the Rosary). She passed on her faith to her children by guiding them to participate in devotional and contemplative practices such as prayer, worship and “misa” on Sundays. Her spiritual discussions with her children included the Lord’s Word at every opportunity, and always emphasized the importance of entrusting ourselves to La Virgen Maria in our daily lives.

Rosario was an avid reader and enjoyed learning about different cultures and people from all over the world. She enjoyed art, theatre, and music; especially listening to Vicente Fernandez and Luciano Pavarotti. She was passionate about many social causes such as education, community services and literacy and in her younger years, she volunteered helping kids develop stronger reading skills at local public schools, teaching catechism, and helping with the food and clothing bank at the community Catholic Church.

She was a wonderful mother that is missed, cherished, and will always remain in our hearts.
Until we see you again Mami and Abuelita. We love you. You are and will always be our endless guiding light.

VISITATION AND EULOGY
Wednesday, February 14th, 2024. 5 to 7pm. Vistoso Funeral Home. 2285 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd, Oro Valley, AZ, 85755

ROSARY AND FUNERAL MASS:
Thursday, February 15, 2024. 9:30am Rosary. 10am Mass. St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701.

BURIAL
Thursday, February 15, 2024. Immediately after Funeral Mass. Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705.

Click this link to view additional details about Rosario's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/rosario-cordova

Click this link to view additional details about Rosario's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/rosario-cordova