Veronica Maria Cordova

Veronica Maria Cordova succumbed to cancer on Saturday, July 24, 2010, in Durango, Colo. She was 80. Veronica was born September 22, 1929, to Faustin and Mary Romero in Ignacio, Colo. As a young person Veronica discovered dancing. While working at the Candle Light Caf� as a cook, she would work hard in the daytime and attend dances on the weekends. Veronica met Tony Cordova in 1947. The couple married December 26, 1947, and they had eleven children. After they separated, she met Marcelino Gallegos in 1967, and together they had one child. Veronica and Marcelino enjoyed dancing together and he would often accompany her to bingo games. Having a large family, Veronica relied on her experience as a cook and obtained a position at Mercy Medical Center. It was with this income that Veronica single-handedly supported and cared for her children. She worked at the hospital until her retirement in 1994. Veronica took great pride in her cooking and was loved by the entire staff she worked with. Her family enjoyed eating her tortillas, posole, biscochitos, rice pudding, and many of her famous dishes. Veronica enjoyed spending time with her family. She enjoyed watching Rockies games, often yelling and cheering for them to win and cursing them when they lost. Veronica�s favorite activity was playing bingo. She loved to ride the shuttle to Sky Ute Casino and visit with other patrons. She knew the schedule of bingo very well, including times. She was well known in the bingo community and she always greeted everyone with a smile and a hello. Veronica was preceded in death by her parents, daughters Diana Cordova, Virginia Cordova and JoAnna Cordova, son Phil Cordova and partner Marcelino Gallegos. Surviving are brothers Walter Romero of Ignacio, Colo., and Basilio Romero of Durango, Colo.; sons Rick Cordova of Durango, Colo.; and Marvin Archuleta of Arlington, Texas; daughters Gloria Sanchez of Ignacio, Colo.; Sylvia Sanchez of Ignacio, Colo.; Barbara Sandoval of Fort Collins, Colo.; Debbie (Becky) Gonzales of Ignacio, Colo.; Rosa Tucson of La Posta, Colo.; and Marsha Madril of Durango, Colo. She is survived by 25 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Durango. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.