Maria Virginia Cordova

Maria Virginia Cordova

May 1, 1955 - June 23, 2022

There are some people who set a precedent in your life. 

Tempered by the many challenges in her youth, Vicky early on accepted the immense responsibility of helping raise her siblings. She was a unique character who portrayed strength in the face of many trials, including battling cancer 3 times.  Yet she was balanced by a particular kindness that was reflected in the thoughtfulness of her gifts, often revealing how clearly she saw those she loved.

Maria Virginia Cordova was born in Chihuahua, Mexico to Nieves Dolores Saenz and Jose Guadalupe Chavez. She completed cosmetology school before moving to the United States at the age of 18 and on December 25, 1975, she gave birth to her only son, Kenneth Cordova, whom she loved more than anything. 

A scholar at heart, she read voraciously in English and Spanish, and hungered for knowledge throughout her life.  She spent her time writing in many forms, but in particular poetry. Naturally, she gravitated towards the world of academia and overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles, to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in English & American Literature from UTEP in 2001.  Through her tenacity she graduated on the Dean’s List and was accepted into the prestigious McNair Scholars program. After achieving her goal, Vicky took her passion full circle and became a professor of English Literature at El Paso Community College and taught ESL to adults.

Vicky’s interests lay in cooking, gardening, crocheting, fine art, classical music, all-things-Christmas and she was at her happiest in the company of cats or children.  The beauty of her handmade artistry has made its way into the homes of her family and friends in the form of many scarves, Victorian-era Christmas ornaments, and blankets in every size and color but especially for newborn babies.

Her stalwart nature enclosed a benevolent woman who was just as eager to help as she was to defend. In her time, Vicky chose to contribute to those whose hardships she related to in the continued donations of toys and school supplies to the Casa de Jesus in Juarez, her offerings to the local homeless, food and shelter for stray cats, and even knitting beanies for fellow cancer patients while she underwent treatment.

As her life seemed to welcome adversity, she found comfort on the details within the lives of those around her.  It was in her modest lifestyle that her character shone, as she was always willing to share the little she had with others. In this world, she truly was an Angel and champion for the less fortunate. 

For family, as all who knew her well came to be; her most predictable and heart-warming gesture was the simplest and what we will remember first and forever.  An invitation to a prepared meal, without fail, and likely the best enchiladas that are no longer of this world.   With great love and admiration, we wish you peace, and the company of your dearly departed brother, Luis Chavez.

Vicky is preceded in death by her brother Luis Rafael Chavez, niece Jacqueline Pearl Chavez, father Jose Guadalupe, and grandparents, Manuel Saenz and Margarita Flores de Saenz.

She is survived by her only son Kenneth Gilbert Cordova whom she adored.

Survivors also include her mother Dolores Melendez and siblings: Maria Guadalupe Stone and husband Aldon, Pedro Chavez, Teresa Martinez, Martha Salazar and husband Alfonso, Jorge Chavez and partner Ana Lilia Ruiz, Maria Magdalena Chavez, and   Mari Saenz and partner Federico Olvera.

She will be extremely missed by all her nieces and nephews: Nancy & AJ Stone, Ramon Chavez, Ismael, Andy, Vivian & Stephen Martinez, Joey & Santana Chavez, Shanty & Omar Salazar, Daniel Arce, Jorge Adrian & Jason Chavez, Clint Castor, Ben, Zachary & Calypso Marie Ballard.

Grandnieces & nephews: Nicolas, Agustin Rey, Alexandra, Jazmine, Ivan, Aleyna Rose, Liam, Ezra, and Ellie.

Her loss is also deeply felt by numerous lifelong friends.

Celebration of Life will be from 2pm-4pm on July 16th, 2022

at Sunset Funeral Home Americas 9521 North Loop El Paso, TX 79907

https://www.facebook.com/sunsetfuneralhome