Courtesy photo
Josephine and Willie Cordova
Through the looking glass: Arroyo Secoâs Josephine Cordova
T
By Scott Gerdes
aoseĂąos have long heralded no-nonsense trailblazers whether female or male, young or old. In that vein, we take a glimpse into the past, featuring one of the many driven, talented women who has
helped shape Taos into the special community it is and forever shall be. Josephine Martinez Cordova (1907-1998) Expectations can either take the wind out of oneâs sails or prod a person to push harder. Josephine Cordovaâs path handed
her an oar, which she gladly took in hand with a firm, determined grip.
A love of reading and knowledge led to a lifetime serving Taos-area schools.
The petite, dark-eyed fire plug pursued an education and a career in an era where most women wouldnât have dreamed of having a job outside of the home.
Josephineâs story began when her father, Francisco Martinez y Martinez, died when she was just 7 years old. He worked as a Taos County schools superintendent. CORDOVA continues on Page 36
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TAOS WOMAN 2016
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