Obituary of Mildred Cordova

Mildred Winston Cordova of Herndon, Virginia passed away peacefully at home on March 17, 2019.  Born in Alexandria, Virginia to Eula and Rufus Winston, Mildred graduated from George Washington High School, attended Strayer College in Washington D.C. and Northwestern University in Chicago. She went on to work as a legal secretary for many years before retiring as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager for FMC, a multinational corporation.

Throughout her life she was an active and engaged member of the community attending Commonwealth Baptist Church, teaching ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray Dance Studios, and volunteering at National Airport, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and on the Board of Lady Managers for Alexandria Hospital. She was an avid tennis player and had a deep interest in music, the arts, and foreign travel.    

Mrs. Cordova is preceded in death by her husband Colonel William Ralph Cordova (November 25, 2018) and her first husband, Robert F. Ballou. She is survived by a stepson, William “Bill” Cordova II (Phyllis); a stepson, Robert Cordova (Helen); a stepdaughter, Candace Baxter (Robert Baxter); a stepson, Gary Cordova (Cindee); and a stepson, Raymond Cordova (Maribeth). Her devotion and thoughtful care of their father over many years was a blessing to the family for which they are eternally grateful. She was a loving grandmother to twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Her zest for life, good conversation, and sense of humor is greatly missed.

A joint funeral service to honor her life and the life of her husband, William R. Cordova, will be held at Ft. Myer Old Post Chapel, 204 Lee Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211 on March 27 at 10:30 a.m. immediately followed by interment at Arlington National Cemetery. A reception will follow the service at Fort Myer Patton Hall Officers’ Club.