We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Elizabeth L. Cordova, 65. She passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at her home on Mercer Island, WA. She is survived by her husband Marc, her sons Alan (Maliha) and Lee, and her brothers Mark (Clovis) and Eric.

Beth was born in Queens, NY, on January 21, 1953, to Rose and Richard Bender. She received a Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin. She was a social worker at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven, CT, where she met Marc in 1977, who was then a medical resident. In 1980, they moved to Marc’s hometown of Seattle, and have resided on Mercer Island since 1981.

Beth worked as a counselor at Jewish Family Services until the birth of her first son in 1983. She later returned to work as a paraprofessional at Island Park Elementary School on Mercer Island. After receiving a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Washington, she served as the first Director of Social Services at The Summit at First Hill until her retirement, where she is remembered for initiating a wide variety of stimulating programs for residents.

Beth was known for her dedication to, and love of, family, arts, and nature. She volunteered at the Seattle Opera and the Frye Art Museum, and was active with Mercer Island’s emergency preparedness team. Additionally, Beth enjoyed planning family trips, backpacking, hiking, kayaking, skiing, opera, and cooking. A prolific letter-writer, Beth communicated frequently and eloquently with loved ones near and far. Beth was most known for the compassionate and loving care that she extended to all those around her. Upon Marc’s retirement in 2017, they enjoyed taking a variety of classes, lectures and trips.

The family would like to thank Dr. Henry Kaplan and Dr. Hope Druckman for their loving care.

Funeral services were held on May 14, at Sunset Hills in Bellevue. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following organizations: the Washington Trails Association, Kline Galland Foundation, or the Kaplan Research Fund at Swedish Hospital.