Sr. Roseann Cordova OP

Sister Mary Roseann (Rufina)Cordova, OP, Tacoma Dominican Sister died May 17, 2023, at St. Joseph Residence, Seattle, following a long illness. She was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, January 24, 1934, of Abel Cordova and Rosario (Perea) Cordova. The family eventually moved to Bakersfield, California, where she attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Elementary School and Garces Memorial High School, graduating in 1951. Following graduation Sister Roseann entered the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma WA making her first profession in 1953 and her final profession in 1959.

Her teaching career in Catholic Schools in Washington and California spanned 16 years. In Washington she taught at Mt. Virgin School, Assumption School and Holy Rosary in Seattle; and in Tacoma, St. Patrick School; She also taught in Centralia, Ellensburg and Yakima. She also taught in California at St. Francis School and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Bakersfield and at St. Vincent in San Diego. She also served as principal in Centralia, Ellensburg and St. Vincent

In 1969 she moved to San Ysidro, California where she served as teacher counselor, activist and organizer.  In 1970 she began ministering with three other Dominican Sisters to the families of Villa Nueva at the invitation of Father Lynn, an Augustinian priest, whose Order sponsored the newly built housing project. Until her return to Tacoma in 2018, Sister Roseann remained on the Board of Villa Nueva.

For many years, Sister Roseann taught in the San Diego School System where she was active in the school district in promoting parents and teacher rights, education for all students and was co-president of the Teachers’ Union. She also directed a Head Start Program in Tijuana.

In 2007 Sister Roseann received the Abrazo Award (big hug) from Casa Familiar, an agency that provides counseling and advocacy assistance, for her untiring ministry, leadership and commitment to Casa Familiar and to the residents of Villa Nueva, a housing project in San Ysidro, a border town between Tijuana and the United State.

Sister Roseann received her BA from St. Martin College in Olympia, Washington and her MS from San Diego State.

Sister Roseann was a champion for justice whether she was teaching, advocating or counseling. Her belief in the dignity of all persons was always uppermost in her mind.

She is predeceased by her parents, Abel and Rosario, her brothers Ernesto and Andres, and her sister, Tomasita Cordova Baraja.  She is survived by her many nephews, nieces and cousins and her Tacoma Dominican Community.

The funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday, June 5, at 11:00 AM in the St. Joseph Residence Chapel (4800 37th Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98126). A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM on June 5, preceding the funeral Liturgy. The burial will be June 6, at 1:00 PM at Calvary Cemetery, Tacoma (5212 70th Ave. W).

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 935 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402

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