Mary Verdone Cordi

Mary Verdone Cordi, 88, of Phoenix, passed away on October 31, 2007. She was born in countryside near Rome, Italy on May 15, 1919 and immigrated with her family to Albany, New York when she was just 14. Although she only had a third grade education in Italy, she managed to overcome her lack of formal education by perfecting her trade as a seamstress which enabled her to help support her family while helping to raise her brothers, Armand and Vincent Verdone. While learning to read and write English in a citizenship class, she met her husband to be, Dominick Cordi. They were married in 1939. Together they dedicated their lives to raising three beautiful children. Her love for her children was total and unconditional. Since she did not have a formal education, she never let her children forget that, "education would be their salvation". With her example, she taught them determination, perseverance and commitment in all of life's endeavors. For Mary, there was no sacrifice too great to ensure everyone's happiness. Her joy in serving others taught her family to be generous and unselfish. "Mama Cordi", as her friends called her, was convinced that the best way to a persons heart was through their stomach! The kitchen was the focal point of her home. Mama Cordi was infamous for her homemade manicotti and gnocchi, but her secret ingredient was the love she put into everything she did. All who entered her home felt her love and affection. Her husband, Dominick, passed away in 1991, followed by her son, Anthony in 1999. They live on in our love and memories. Mary is cherished by her son, Thomas Cordi and his wife Irene; her daughter Nan Robb and her husband David; her daughter-in-law, Winifred Cordi, her grandchildren, Anthony Cordi, Michael Cordi, Colleen Savarese, Suzanne Oliver, Tina Robb and her five great grandchildren; Ashlynn, Sal, Devin, Nicole and Isabella. Mama Cordi's smile will be forever imprinted in our hearts. Visitation will be held Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 11AM with a funeral service following at 12PM at A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 W. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix. Interment to follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Phoenix. The family would like to acknowledge the loving support of the staff of the Beatitudes Campus and Hospice of the Valley. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hospice of the Valley or the Beatitudes Campus Building Fund.