Anny Ridder Cordova, beloved matriarch, friend and community member passed away peacefully on Christmas Day at the age of 93. Born on April 23, 1931 in Quito, Ecuador, Anny was the cherished daughter of Augusto and Mercedes Amelia (nee Ribadeneira) Ridder.  As a child, she was a loving and nurturing person, caring for animals, especially her pet cats, dogs, birds and even her pet Galapagos tortoise. As an adult, her caring nature led her to pursue a career in nursing, obtaining her degree and becoming a dedicated registered nurse.   

In February 1957, Anny bravely embarked on a new adventure by moving to the United States along with her husband, and two children, with a third on the way. In her new life, she quickly mastered the English language, became an accomplished cook, learned to drive a car, and continued her creativity in knitting, crocheting and other needlework skills and was a masterful homemaker. Her greatest joy and accomplishment was raising her family; nurturing her 10 children with love, wisdom, faith and humor. 

As the demands of her children decreased, Anny’s adventurous spirit flourished. She became an avid traveler, exploring the world visiting Europe, Russia, China, Japan, India, Thailand, and of course South America, leading one grandchild to comment, “I can’t wait to get old. When you’re old like Grandmom, you can really travel”.  

Her compassionate nature also led her to volunteer as a clown named “Birdie”. The process of developing the character and costume of Birdie, a silent clown, was lovingly, intentionally and carefully crafted for the Christiana Clown Program. She brought comfort, compassion, and joy to those she visited and to those who interacted with Birdie. Anny also served as a volunteer on the Junior Board at Christiana Hospital and very much enjoyed her time as a hospital receptionist and as a server in the hospital coffee shop. 

The cornerstone of Anny’s life was her Catholic faith. A longtime member of St John’s-Holy Angels Parish, she served as a Eucharistic Minister, distributing communion and ministering to residents of nursing homes. She was deeply loved by them, many of whom weren’t Catholic but loved her visits. She was deeply involved with her church community and gave generously of herself in service and prayer. She radiated light and love and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. 

In addition to her parents, Anny was predeceased by her son, Augusto Cordova, her sisters Hedy Eitel, Mara Toledo, and Magdalena Ridder, brother, Augusto Ridder and former husband and lifelong friend, Alexander Cordova. She is survived by 9 children: Anny Berry, Alexandra Wyant, Montserrat Mintz (Steve), Elsie Beatty (Dan), Patricia Canning (Pat), Alicia Pettit (Bob), Daniel Cordova (Deanna), Nora Rittberg (Alex), and Eric Cordova (Cheri). She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and many treasured nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Angels Church on Friday January 10 at 11 AM. The family will begin receiving friends at 10 AM. A private burial will be held at All Saints Cemetery. In honor of Anny’s life and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor Jean Jugan Residence 185 Salem Church Road Newark, DE 19713.  

The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Little Sisters of the Poor for the compassionate care they provided to our beloved mother.