Gwen Ann Cordova (75) resident of Spokane Valley, WA passed away on Hugus Creek near Calder, ID on May 14, 2023. She was born to Orville (Bud) and Betty (Barton) Bruce on June 23, 1947, in Tekoa, WA. Gwen grew up in Rosalia, WA where her nickname was “Cookie” on a farm and was the first female FFA member there. She loved riding horses and was a talented baton twirler, basketball player, and cheerleader. Gwen graduated from Rosalia High School with the class of 1965.

Following high school, Gwen moved to Spokane to attend Mr. Lee’s School of Beauty. When she finished the program, she went to work in a salon on the Northside of Spokane. At the age of 20, she met Daniel McCormack, and they married in February 1968 at Fairchild Air Force Base. The family lived in Garden Springs before settling in Spangle, WA. In 1991 Daniel and Gwen divorced, but she stayed in the home and ran a salon out of it for 24 years. Gwen’s home in Spangle was the hub for hair ladies, friends, and anyone who needed to visit about their problems and/or successes. The neighbors across the street were a godsend. Rainy and family were always there with a helping hand and vice versa. She also spent time as a Preschool Teacher, PTA Member, Liberty HS Cheerleading/Dance/Drama team coach and Gonzaga Cheerleading Coach. Gwen attended Spokane Falls Community College to obtain education in their Chemical Dependency Counseling Program. She met David Cordova while at college, and the couple married in the spring of 1996. Gwen went to work at Healing Lodge and then the Spokane County Prosecutor’s office. In August of 1998, David passed away. An opportunity opened up for Gwen with the Spokane Tribe as a Case Manager in their TANF program. She held this position for 14 years and retired in 2013.