Resident of Gilroy and member of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of Gilroy and Santa Cruz, passed away at home peacefully with family and friends. Michelle was a graduate of Live Oak High School, class of 1988. Michelle was a certified Respiratory Therapist and worked at local hospitals.
Her interests included horses, camping, fishing and spending time with her family. Michelle enjoyed working as a volunteer with the Colorguard and supporting the Pop Warner’s Raiders Mighty Mites. Michelle is survived by son, Leland Austin Petersen; daughter, Tiffani-Ann Mari Petersen; Father, Eloy Frank Cordova; Mother, Cynthia A. Cordova; Brother, Jonas F. Cordova Grandmothers; Ramona Lopez, Gilroy, California and Cecilia Cordova, Gustine, California; and many, many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
Michelle is preceded in death by Grandfathers; Valentin Lopez and Eloy S. Cordova.
A memorial mass will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Gilroy, CA. Following the memorial mass family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Michelle at a location to be announced.