Rachel Cordova

Wife. Mother. Grandmother. Business woman. In that order.

Her first priority was her husband of 64 years (Moses) who preceded her in death. Then, came her children (Karen, Mark and Matthew), grandchildren (Elizabeth, Mark Thomas, Crystal, Emily, Matthew Moses and Jacob) and Great Grandchildren (Jacqueline, Heather and Mila).

Born on a Southern Colorado farm to Juan and Martha (Archuleta) Martinez whose families have roots in that area since the early 1500s. She began her formal education in a one room school house. While in high school, she kept the accounting books for her family grocery store, butcher shop and ranch. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1948, she attended Lorretta Heights College in Denver. She ultimately graduated from business school in Colorado Springs. Little did she know then that she would land up becoming the controller for two of her own businesses 17 years later.

Her father told her before she moved to California in 1951 to start her new life with her husband who was in the US Navy, “Daughter. Your husband may make the money but it’s up to you to take care of it.” So, it is no surprise that her husband always said “that if wasn’t for her, they would not have what they did.” They were true partners in every sense of the word.

Rachel was always active. Cleaning, laundry, cooking (not so much in later life!), conversing with anyone who would give her an ear and, of course, enjoying her nightly glass of wine! She was an active member in the various Catholic parishes where she lived. Always reverent, thankful and prayerful---She had belief in others and she had an incredible, unwavering faith in God.

She had grace and class. She was opinionated, stubborn/strong willed (IE Controlling) but always kind. What she was one of the original Super women and a role model who didn’t complain. She just did what needed to be done. She raised three children with similar, if not denying, characteristics!

Rachel died peacefully. Her funeral mass of the resurrection was held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at St. Cecelia’s Catholic Church in Tustin, California. She was laid to rest with her beloved, Moses, at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Orange, California.