Esperanza Cordes

Esperanza Cordes- Espe- Mom- Grandma- Great Grandma- her life, her legacy and the details to celebrate her beautiful and fulfilling life:

It is with great sadness and much love that we say goodbye to our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Esperanza Cordes (87) of Chandler, left this earth peacefully on September 16, 2024 surrounded by her devoted family.

Esperanza was the 5th of 10 children born to Miguel and Pilar Esparza. She was born July 9, 1937 in El Castillo, Jalisco, Mexico in a one room adobe casita with dirt floors and no running water. In March of 1944, with the help from Pilar’s sister Josephine Picazo the family returned to Miami, Arizona where she attended school.

Espe graduated from Miami High school in 1957. She attended St. Joseph’s nursing school for a year and then returned home and went on to work as a dental assistant to Dr. Fritz, DDS.

In 1961, Espe married James Cordes and they moved to Phoenix where she and Jim raised their two girls, Rachel and Debbie. She returned to work as a dental assistant and office manager in the late 1970’s. After retirement she and Jim relocated to Chandler to be closer to the girls and their families.

Espe cared deeply for her family and those close to her. She enjoyed spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, siblings, extended family and friends. She was always the first to offer to assist when someone she loved was in need. Whether it be a ride to an appointment, a home cooked meal, or care during a time of sickness, Espe was there with hands to help, her love, and her support.

She was a devoted grandmother who never missed an opportunity to show up for her grandkids. Whether it be a concert, recital, or ball game, she was always in attendance. She was also an active volunteer at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul pantry in Chandler, where she served her community and church.

Espe is survived by her Daughters: Rachel Heredia (Willie), Debbie Cordes Howard. Grandchildren: Bekkah Flores (Christopher), Monikkah Perkins (Halana), James Heredia (Michaela), Jacob Howard, and Josiah Howard. Great Grandchildren: Braxton, Leilani and Westyn. Siblings: Guayo Esparza, Trini Mawson (Dewey), Bertha Mansour (John), Maggie Northey, Mike Esparza (Marueen), Joe Esparza (Debbie) and Cousin & Best Friend: Mary Gama.

The largest group of survivors are the extended family members and friends who knew and loved her as "Aunt Espe".

Espe was preceded in death by her; husband, James Cordes, parents, Miguel and Pilar Esparza, sisters, Maria Horta (Jesus) Alicia Avalos (Rudy), and Herlinda Monarrez.

Friday, September 27, 2024.

Rosary @ 10:00 a.m.

Mass of Resurrection - Celebration of Life @ 10:30.

St. Steven's Catholic Church.

24827 S. Dobson Road.

Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.

Internment following at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Home.

1562 E. Baseline Road.

Mesa, AZ 85204.

Memorial Gifts: In lieu of flowers, Rachel and Debbie request that you consider making a donation to Hospice of the Valley. The care that both Jim and Espe received was unmatched. Every doctor, nurse and caregiver went above and beyond to care for not only Jim and Espe but the rest of our family too.