Obituaries

Antoinette Elizabeth (Pimentel) Cordeniz, loving mother, cherished grandmother and beloved great-grandmother, passed away as gracefully as she lived on June 23, 2024, in Sparks, Nevada. Antoinette was the first of two children born to George and Mary (Martin) Pimentel at Niles Maternity Home in Niles, California. She was baptized at what was then Holy Ghost Church in Centerville, California.

Antoinette attended Centerville Elementary School and graduated Notre Dame High School in San Jose in 1948. In 1949, the Holy Ghost Festival honoring Queen St. Isabella of Portugal chose Holy Ghost festival queens by lottery. Antoinette was the chosen 1949 Festival Queen. Upon graduation from high school, Antoinette worked for Dr. Chuck Grimmer and became godmother to his twin sons, Dan and Terry. She left his employ when she became pregnant with her first child. While she had several part-time jobs in legal, dentistry, medical and retail, by far her favorites were wife, mother and homemaker.

She met the love of her life, John Cordeniz, and after several breakups and proposals, she finally said yes to ”Johnny”, and they were married on June 6, 1953 at Holy Ghost Church with a reception at Washington Township Country Club on Parish Avenue. They danced through 67 years—the longest union in either of their families—until his unexpected passing on August 24, 2020. Antoinette and John were original Glenmoor homeowners for their entire married life.

Young Antoinette greatly admired and was very close to her paternal grandmother, Grandma (Isabel) Pimentel. Her grandmother was her confirmation sponsor. Grandma Pimentel was very neat and put together with her attire—when she wore a hat to church, she always made sure it looked just right, even from the back. Antoinette carried Grandma Pimentel’s influence throughout her own life and was known for always looking her best. She fostered this influence in her children and encouraged them to always dress appropriately for the occasion. Even into her nineties, Antoinette’s wish was to always look and be her best even when she could not do it herself. She became the talk of her new residence at MorningStar Sparks, with her beauty, grace and charm for a woman in her 90s.

Antoinette was at heart the consummate homebody, especially since driving was not a favorite. She loved God, her husband, children and grandchildren, and her home. She was most comfortable in her own surroundings. She was very proud of her Portuguese heritage and was a prayerful, faithful Catholic - qualities she instilled in her children. Antoinette and John were members of Portuguese fraternal societies, celebrating many festas and Portuguese cultural celebrations with their children throughout California. As a mother, Antoinette simply wanted to provide her children with lots of love, a good education, and a strong sense of faith, all goals that she accomplished. She wished “love and prayers” whenever loved ones parted her company.

Antoinette is survived by her loving children: Mark (Joan) Cordeniz of Lake Bluff, Illinois, Michael Cordeniz of Fremont, Elizabeth “Liz” (Tim) Moore and Catherine “Cathy” (Derek) Souza of Sparks, Nevada; grandchildren Martha (Michael) O’Hara, William Cordeniz, Joey (Kayla) Moore, Amy (Chris MacKenzie) Moore, Zack (Samantha) Souza, and Max (Anna) Souza; great grandchildren Miles O'Hara, Luke Moore and Paige Souza; bonus grandchildren, Michael (Corinne) Souza, Shanna (Bryan) Lerg and bonus great grandchildren, Owen, Andie, Scottie and Logan Lerg. Also survived by sister-in-law Andrea Pimentel, four step-great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. In addition to her beloved husband, John, Antoinette is predeceased by her parents, George and Mary Pimentel, and brother "Bud", George L. Pimentel, Jr.

The family thanks the compassionate Assisted Living and Reflections staff of MorningStar Living and St. Mary's Hospice for their love, care and guidance during Antoinette's Northern Nevada residence and final journey to her eternal home.

Services for Antoinette begin with Visitation on Thursday, July 11, 2024, 5-8 pm, with 6:30 Vigil at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, California. Mass of the Resurrection with be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 11 am at Holy Spirit Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, California. Burial will be private at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hayward.

In Antoinette's memory and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Holy Spirit School Fremont, Notre Dame High School San Jose, or your favorite charity.