Nelda Cordova

Nelda S. Cordova, 72, a resident of Ensenada, NM, passed away on March 6, 2021.
Nelda was born on April 5, 1948, in her beloved town of Cebolla, NM, to Rogelio Sanchez and Alejandrina (Martinez) Sanchez.

Nelda was a woman of strong faith. She was an unselfish and caring individual who always put the needs of others first. Nelda was strong-minded, extremely independent and had a big heart. Most have already stated, that they will remember her laughter, generosity and humorous comments.

Nelda retired from the Chama Magistrate Court, where she served as Chief Clerk. Nelda was a fair, honest and an empathetic individual, who always made time to listen to people’s concerns or problems.  Prior to that, she worked with the Chama Valley School District. Nelda was very much loved and respected by all the surrounding communities.

Nelda loved being surrounded by her family. With her former spouse, Orlando “Toast” Cordova, she had five children, who she loved unconditionally: Hazel, Deborah, Orlando (Guerro), Genevieve (Jenny) and Sharon. She raised her children to be confident, self-sufficient and did not condone feeling sorry for one-self. Her pride and joy were all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many of whom she helped raise. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she had many names which included: Mama Nelda, Nala and Mammo. Her grandchildren include: Ashley Cordova, Rocky Sanchez, Brandy Sanchez, Cheyenne Cordova, Kayla C de Baca, Travis Romero, Matias Cordova-Romero, Estevan Cordova-Romero, Rashaud (Bear) Cordova-Busby and Adriana (Ace) Cordova-Busby. She also had five great-grandchildren: Jalen Sandoval, Taylor Sandoval, Kylee Dropinski, Prince Roque Howard, and Xander C de Baca.

Those left to mourn her passing include her siblings, who she loved dearly: Roy Sanchez (Carmen), Desiderio Sanchez (Joyce), Emma Lopez Maez, Lydia Carbajal, Willie Nelson, and Joyce Langhorst; many nieces, nephews and friends; her children: Hazel Cordova (Roque), Deborah Cordova, Orlando Cordova (Jennifer), Jenny Cordova (Anthony) and Sharon Cordova, as well as all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also mourning is Donny Cordova, who always thought of and treated Nelda like his sister.

Nelda is preceded in death by her parents, Rogelio and Alejandrina; brothers, Joe Valerio Lovato, Zacarias (Sacky) Sanchez and Raymond Sanchez; sisters, Bennie Archuleta and Lupe S. Bustos and former spouse, Orlando “Toast” Cordova.

The family would like to thank everyone who offered their support and the many prayers.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 20, 2021, at the San Jose Parish Church in Los Ojos at 11:00 a.m.  Nelda will be buried in Cebolla, NM following the services. Serving as pallbearers are, Rocky Sanchez, Rashaud (Bear) Cordova-Busby, Anthony Romero, Donald P. Cordova, Cheyenne Cordova, and Alex Leyba. The family of Nelda S. Cordova has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com