Catherine Jane Cordaro

1927 - 2021

Catherine Jane Cordaro
Matthews, GA—Catherine "Jane" Cordaro is with our Heavenly Father and her late husband, Dr. Joseph Cordaro. Jane and "Joe" were married for 66 years before his death in 2018. She is survived by their children: Melina (John) Rathbun, Vincent (Laurie), John (Mary), Alice (Phil) Moran, Joe (Barb) and Jim (Diana). Jane and Joe were blessed with thirteen grandchildren. She is the last of 4 siblings to enter into rest, her brothers James Arnold and Fr. John Arnold and her sister Mary Cogbill. Sharing in sympathy are many adoring nieces and nephews.
Jane was born in Washington DC to Catherine Alice (Madden) Arnold and John Lyle Arnold. She attended Dunbarton College of the Holy Cross in Washington DC where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BA in English to pursue a teaching career. She met Joe at a college social dance while she was attending college and he attended Georgetown Medical School. In 1952, Jane and Joseph were married. They began their life together in Parker, Arizona where Joe started his medical career by serving his country in the Public Health Service with the Navajo and Hopi nations. Jane and Joe loved Arizona, and Jane was able to follow her passion for teaching English while Joe was stationed at the Navajo reservation.
In 1953, Jane and Joe returned to Brooklyn, New York, his hometown, to be with his terminally ill parents. They started their family and Joe his Medical Career. She was a dedicated wife and amazing mother. They raised six children in Lewiston, NY. Jane never lost her passion for teaching; she was mom, disciplinarian, and teacher to children. She was an amazing cook, storyteller, and the patience of a saint and a quiet sense of humor. She would make up her own vocabulary that her children remember to this day. After her husband retired from his medical practice, they were able to return to Arizona where they had started their journey together to travel and share Joe's love of photography. They spent their last years together in Charlotte, NC near family.
Until the very end of her blessed life, she was a devote Roman Catholic; her passion for her faith was her guiding light that fortified her patience and inner strength her entire life. Her children will always remember her calming, quiet strength, her love for her husband and devotion to her children and grandchildren.
The family of Catherine Jane Cordaro would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Weddington Park, Charlotte, North Carolina. The compassionate care of these staff members is nothing less of outstanding. They treated our mom with love and compassion. Especially during Covid, the staff of Brookdale served the residents not just as caretakers and health care workers, but also as friends and family to our mom and all of the Brookdale residents. We will always be grateful for their compassionate care, loving spirit and welcoming hearts. We are also grateful to Hospice of Charlotte whose expertise helped guide our family during Jane's last weeks with us.
May she rest in peace.
A private graveside service was held at Forest Lawn East Cemetery in Weddington. An online guestbook is available at www.heritagecares.com.
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