Cora Moreno Garrido passed away on June 5, 2019 at the age of 77, after a brave battle with cancer. Cora left this world at her home in Tempe while surrounded by family and friends.
A lifelong Arizonan, Cora was born in Phoenix on January 6, 1942. She grew up in poverty, yet she did not allow her humble upbringing to stand in the way of obtaining an education. Cora graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1960, and then pursued a higher education for herself while she raised her three children. She obtained both her B.A. in Education and, later, her Master’s in Education Administration from Arizona State University.
Education was Cora’s great passion, and she was an educator throughout her career. She taught at Carminati, Rover, and Frank Elementary Schools in Tempe, and served as Principal at Heard, Lowell, and Capitol Elementary Schools in Phoenix. Cora was incredibly proud of her work in low income, largely Spanish-speaking schools, where she taught and inspired many students who grew up in circumstances similar to her own childhood. After retiring in 2004, she continued to work for the “Beat the Odds” program at ASU, and she also served as a mentor for other principals and education administration students.
In her retirement, Cora discovered a love for travel. She, her husband, and their friends took vacations to Italy, Greece, France, Ireland, England, and Germany, where she delighted in meeting new people, trying new foods, and learning about new cultures.
Cora was also an avid sports fan, and she loved having Chardonnay with friends and family while cheering on her favorite teams, including the Sun Devils, Fighting Irish, Diamondbacks, Suns, and Cardinals. Even in her final weeks, she was excited to watch the Golden State Warriors play in the NBA finals.
Cora met her husband, Edward, in 1957, and they were married for 59 wonderful years. He will treasure her memory forever, as will her daughter, Vanessa, son, Robert, and daughter-in-law, Sandra. Cora was predeceased by her oldest son, Navy Lt. Vincent Garrido, and she took great peace in her faith that they would be reunited in Heaven. Cora was devoted to her grandchildren; Alex, Julia, Jack, and Garrett, who will miss their Nana every day. Cora was a social butterfly, and her warmth and generosity brought her a wide circle of friends. She took an interest in the life of everyone she met, whether that person was a lifelong friend, or a cashier at the grocery store, and she made everyone feel like family.
Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019 at 3:00 P.M. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 E Libra Drive, Tempe, Arizona. A celebration of her life will be announced by the family at the conclusion of the funeral service. All are welcome. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Debra S Gomez
June 10, 2019 at 9:27 amSo sorry to hear of Cors’s passing. Both Jose and I knew her well and worked with her for many years at Phoenix Elementary. She was a passionate educator/administrator. She loved her family and spoke often of them.
Our sincere condolences to Eddie and family. May she rest in peace.
Jose Leyba & Debra Gomez
Florence Tang Tanori & Frank Tanori
June 10, 2019 at 3:30 pmWe were very saddened to to learn that Cora lost her battle to cancer. We knew Cora from high school. She was very active on the dance line and very active in leadership roles. Frank also worked with her at Phoenix Elementary.
With Sympathy,
Frank & Florence Tanori
Class of 1960 PUHS
On Coyotes!
Tara
June 11, 2019 at 6:36 amI’m sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. You have my condolences.
Sally Madril
June 11, 2019 at 12:00 pmCora (Mrs. Garrido), was my principal at Lowell Elementary.
She inspired my teaching careeer, and supported me in so many ways. I am so sorry for you lost. You are in my prayers.
Joanne Tillson
June 11, 2019 at 3:55 pmDear Eddie and family,
Mom and I were deeply saddened to hear of Cora’s passing. She fought a brave battle with cancer showing us how with grace. We both have fond memories of Cora that go back to the 70’s. Her beauty and smile lit up rooms when she entered. Sending love and prayers to you and the family.
Margaret Angulo and Joanne Tillson
Julia Valdez
June 11, 2019 at 6:39 pmMy sincere condolences to Cora’s family. Cora made me a better teacher and a better person and I am thankful for the time we had together. Love, Julia Valdez
Julie Kurtz
June 12, 2019 at 12:22 pmI was so saddened to hear of Cora’s passing. She was my principal at Capitol School from 1991 until she retired. Cora was very passionate about the success of the teachers and the students at the school. Deepest sympathies to the family.
Julie Kurtz
Marie Archunde
June 12, 2019 at 5:46 pmMy deepest condolences to Cora’s (Mrs. Garrido) family. She was my first principal in my teaching career. I learned so much from her. I also am a better teacher because of her.
Marie Archunde
Gary Pfeifer
June 13, 2019 at 11:23 amEd,
So sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
With love, thoughts and prayers,
Gary & Barbara Pfeifer and family
Mary Helen Leal
June 13, 2019 at 4:13 pmWe were so sorry to learn of Cora’s passing. I knew her from PUHS and remember our times together and reconnecting at the reunions.
Our love and prayers to Eddie and family,
Bennie and Mary Helen (Nena) Leal
Pat Williams
June 15, 2019 at 7:57 amI am so sorry to hear of Cora’s passing. We worked together at Phoenix Elementary.. Her smile says it all. She was a vivacious and charming lady with a passion to take on any challenge in the field of education. My sincere thoughts and condolence to the family .
Mary Ann and Mike Young
June 16, 2019 at 10:35 amDear Eddie and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of Cora in your life. Now she is not suffering anymore and remember to cherish the good times that you had with her. Time will lessen the pain but you will never get over losing her.
Sincerely, Mary Ann and Mike Young