Janet Cordell Obituary

Hesperus resident Janet Lorraine Anderson Cordell died of cancer Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, at her home. She was 66.

Mrs. Cordell was born to Earl and Verlee Anderson on Feb. 23, 1947, in Twin Falls, Idaho. She grew up in the Redmesa area of La Plata County, graduating from Durango High School in 1965, where she was active in the choir.

During her school years, she met her future husband, Jerry Cordell. They were married July 21, 1966, in Aztec, while he was home on leave from his Navy service during the Vietnam War.

After Mr. Cordell's discharge from the Navy, the young family lived in Grand Junction for eight years before returning to the Hesperus area in 1979.

She was a homemaker, raising her three boys and, in her later years, spending time with her two granddaughters. She was a "phenomenal" cook, her family said, and enjoyed preparing meals for family gatherings. She enjoyed watching cooking shows on television and was always excited to prepare a new dish she had seen.

"Known as 'Grandma,' Janet's passion was always about family," according to her family.

She enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters, whether it was taking them shopping or having them over to the house for dinner and a visit. The girls recently taught her how to text on her new smartphone so they could send her pictures and messages.

"Grandma loved her granddaughters and valued each moment spent with Tyler and Camren," her son Troy said. "She was a beautiful, classy lady."

Mrs. Cordell was preceded in death by her oldest son, Daniel Cordell.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Jerry Cordell of Hesperus; sons Troy Cordell of Hesperus and Jeff Cordell of Durango; brother, Brad Boone of Bremerton, Wash.; and two granddaughters.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Mercy, 1 Mercado Street, Suite 270, Durango, CO 81301.