On June 15, 2018, lifelong Watsonville native and third generation Pajaro Valley resident, Gerald “Jerry” Cordoza passed away at home surrounded by his family. He died one day after his 65th wedding anniversary to his wife Margaret, and less than one month from his 91st birthday.
He worked many years for the Southern Pacific Railroad as a Brakeman/Conductor. He also took care of his family’s apple orchard and raised cattle.
He married his sweetheart Margaret Ann Brazil in 1953 and they brought up seven children.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Charlotte Cordoza, his brother Ronald, and his brother-in-law Nick Milich.
Jerry leaves behind his wife Margaret; their children, Margaret Reynolds (Edward), Alan (Janyce), Jeff (Barbara), Tim (Maria), Theresa Cordoza, Mary Humbert (Patrick) and Jerry Jr. (Mary Jane); also, his grandchildren, Collin Cordoza (Makayla), Jackie Wright (Phil), Chris Cordoza (Tiffani), Morgan Cordoza, Dylan Cordoza and Michael Humbert; and great-grandchildren Coltin, Triniti and Cadin Cordoza, Rylie and Haylie Wright, and Sophia Cordoza. He also leaves his sister Elaine Milich and Susan Dotson, who was like a sister to him, and numerous cousins nieces and nephews.
Thanks to Ron Eichhorn for all his help and assistance when needed at a moment’s notice and who brought Communion to Jerry on Sundays. Additional thanks to everyone at Hospice of Santa Cruz County, especially nurses Cathy Bautista and Veronica Larenas, nurse’s aide Maria Fernandez, Social Worker Katherine Sloan and physical therapist Kelly Brock, also Hospice volunteer Carol Marting, who gave back massages to Jerry, which he looked forward to every week. There were so many outstanding and caring people from Hospice that helped us. Also Fr. Joseph Paradayil and Jerry’s nephew, Fr. Nick Milich, for prayers and blessings and for all the prayers of family and friends.
Rosary and Mass will be Tuesday, July 10, 2018, 11 AM at Our Lady Help of Christians Church (Valley Catholic Church).
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County (HospiceSantaCruz.org) or Agricultural History Project, P.O. Box 1181, Watsonville, CA 95077.
