Obituary of Imogene C Cordova

Imogene Carolyn Cordova, age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on Monday, February 20, 2023. Imogene was born to Lexine and Norbert McHale on May 9, 1931 in Tampa, Florida. She moved to St. Petersburg at an early age and attended St. Petersburg High School, St. Petersburg Junior College and Florida State University where she majored in Music Education. Following graduation in 1953, Imogene became a Flight Attendant with Eastern Airlines. She was featured in a number of Eastern Airlines international marketing materials and advertising posters as the “Ideal Flight Attendant”. Imogene flew Presidential Charters for Dwight Eisenhower and special charters for John Rockefeller and Conrad Hilton. In 1957 Imogene was married to Henry “Hank” Cordova, an Eastern Airlines Flight Engineer. Hank and Imogene traveled the world together, raising their two children, Deanna and Edward, in New Orleans and Minneapolis before living abroad at both Tachikawa Air Force Base in Japan and in Vientiene, Laos. While living overseas, Imogene followed her passion and Music Education degree teaching music to children of military families in Japan and at the American School of Vientiene, Laos.

Upon returning to St. Petersburg in 1973, she resumed her career as an Elementary Music Teacher in Pinellas County until her retirement in 1995. Imogene had a love for music and community service. She volunteered her skills as a piano player and vocalist to numerous civic organizations including the Kiwanis Club of Boca Ciega and The First United Methodist Church, and was an usher for the Mahaffey Theater. Following five years of volunteering at the Kiwanis Club of Boca Ciega, in 1987 Imogene was honored to be invited to join the organization as one of the first female members of the previously all male club. For over 20 years, Imogene was tirelessly dedicated to Kiwanis, rising to top leadership positions of President and Lieutenant Governor, and receiving countless awards and recognition.

Imogene was a loving mother, grandmother, cousin and friend who loved unconditionally. She always had a smile to brighten the day and made everyone around her feel special. She was quick with a joke, a relentless crossword puzzle and Jumble solver, and a Rumikub shark, accusing you of cheating if she didn’t win. Her wardrobe consisted of every shade of blue, which was her favorite color.

Imogene is survived by her daughter Deanna Rennebaum, son-in-law Rob Rennebaum and granddaughter Megan Rennebaum, her son Ed Cordova and her husband’s children Bruce Cordova, Teresa Terrel, Elise Turner and their families. Her Celebration of Life will be held March 26th at 11:00AM at Anderson McQueen, 7820 38th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Sunshine City Kiwanis Foundation either by check mailed to Sharon Iacangelo, 2707 Pass-a-Grille Way, St. Petersburg, Florida 33706 or Zelle to sunshinecitykiwanisinfo@gmail.com.

To view the Celebration of Life LIVE: CLICK HERE    (Available for 90 Days)