Dorothy Mae Cordova

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Dorothy Mae Cordova, who lived a remarkable 90 years. She was born to Horacio Duran and Estella (Romo) on December 17, 1934, in Taos, New Mexico. Dorothy moved to Denver, Colorado, in her teens, where she would eventually build a life filled with love, faith and many treasured memories.

Dorothy married Samuel Cordova on May 1, 1955. Their journey together took them across the world, living in Paris, France, and Ramstein, Germany, while Samuel served in the United States Air Force stationed overseas. These years were filled with adventure and joy, creating cherished memories—and marked the beginning of many more unforgettable trips they would take together.

Throughout her life, Dorothy dedicated herself to serving others, always putting the needs of her family first. As a homemaker, she poured her heart into caring for her husband and their five children: Louie, Leroy, Charles, Raymond, and Lorraine. Her love and dedication to her family were evident in everything she did.

Known for her kindness and warmth, Dorothy had a motherly grace that extended far beyond her own family. Many knew her as a second mom or grandma, despite not being related by blood. Her loving and accepting nature made everyone feel welcome.

Cooking for others brought her immense joy. Her homemade bread, green chili, and sopapillas were just a few of her many delicious meals that everyone raved about. No one ever left her home without eating, as her kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter and where everyone felt at home. Holiday dinners will never be the same without her special touch and the love she infused into every dish.

As an avid sports fan, she surprised many with her extensive knowledge of sports. She loved the Denver Broncos and never turned down an opportunity to host a Broncos party, bringing family and friends together to share in her excitement. She also enjoyed cheering for the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and the Colorado Rockies.

In addition to her parents, Horacio and Estella, Dorothy is predeceased by her loving husband of 70 years, Samuel G. Cordova, and their son Charles Cordova. She is survived by her sons Louis Cordova, Leroy Cordova, Raymond Cordova and his wife Mercy, and her daughter Lorraine Manzanares and her husband Mark, grandchildren: Petra Cordova, Raymond Cordova, Jr., Charles Cordova Jr., Joseph Cordova (Colter), Joshua Manzanares, and Alexis Manzanares. Her great-grandchildren: Xavier Fonseca, Nathaniel Fonseca, Joe Fonseca, Oceana Fonseca, Viviana Cordova, and Marcus Hernandez. She is also survived by her great-great grandchildren, Reikco, Aria, Zaylen, Zylas.

Dorothy was one of 14 children: Mabel Lamas (deceased), Martha Robertson (deceased), Joe Duran, Ray Duran (deceased), Crabella Martinez, Bernadette Aragon, George Duran, Florence Martinez, Teresa Silver, Max Duran, Harold Duran, Stella Alvarez (deceased), Sarah Martinez (deceased). She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Dorothy touched the lives of so many, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. We will miss her dearly, but we take comfort in knowing that she is now resting with the Lord and reunited with Samuel and her son Charles and all those who went before her, watching over us with love.

Rest in peace, dear Mother. Your faith and strength will live on in all of us. You will always be loved, remembered, and forever missed.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 21, 2025 starting at 10am, Rosary will then follow at 10:30am and Mass at 11am, all located at Light of the World Catholic Church, 10316 W. Bowles Avenue, Littleton. Burial will be held at 2pm that same day at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area A. Please use Kenyon Avenue entrance at cemetery to enter. A reception will follow mass at the church.

Please sign the online guestbook.