Maria Esther Hernandez Soriano Tuaño Cordova was born in the town of Lumban, Laguna in the Philippines on April 9, 1926. She and Angelo Cordova met as children, and it would be after WW2 when the two would meet again when Esther was a lab technician and Angelo was an ex-soldier. They married December 14, 1946. In her married years, she ran a sewing and hair styling business. She and Angelo were adventurous and moved to Laos to work for USAID to provide a brighter future for their family. The family eventually emigrated to the United States in July 1966. She was a diligent employee at CPB/NPR.
Esther is survived by her 3 children: Elizabeth McClain (Charles), Veronica Johnson (Marc) and Salvador Cordova. She has 4 grandchildren: Roland and Maria Mandapat, Angela Lexner and Eric Johnson. She has 4 great grandchildren: Michael Lexner (Angela), Julian Vladimir (Maria), Matthew and Luke Mandapat (Roland).
Esther had a talent for linguistics, at times interpreting for government official meetings. Besides her native languages of Tagalog and English, she spoke Spanish, French, Laotian, Thai and Japanese. Her other talents included playing the piano, singing, and cooking. She loved to travel the world. Most cruises and Las Vegas trips included family members. She also was an avid reader, loved classical music, opera, musicals, figure skating and rooting for the Redskins, Nationals, and Orioles.
Esther contributed greatly to the lives of family and friends whom she and Angelo assisted getting to the U.S. She was strong in her faith and gave wise guidance to the family. She is loved and will be greatly missed.
Esther Tuano Cordova
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