Kids & Family
Annandale Remembers Neighbor, Friend Killed in Spanish Train Crash
Ana Maria Cordoba, who lived in Annandale, worked at the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
The two characteristics that stood out the most to anyone who knew Ana-Maria Cordoba were her smile and her gracious demeanor. Cordoba, who lived in the Winterset neighborhood of Annandale, was one of about 78 people killed in a train wreck in Spain Wednesday.
“She was a phenomenal person. She put God and her family and her community first,” said neighbor Ellen Albert.
Cordoba, 47, worked in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington's Human Resources Department as an employee benefits specialist. She was on holiday in Spain with her family visiting her son Santiago, who is an exchange student in Spain. Santiago had just completed a pilgrimage to the city of Santiago de Compostela in the northwestern part of the country.
Among those injured in the train crash are Cordoba's husband, Philippe, and daughter, Christina, a rising senior at Bishop O'Connell High School. Philippe and Christina remain in stable condition in a hospital. Christina has a broken leg and CBS News reported that Philippe has a skull injury.
"They were very much in love. I'm sure he's heartbroken," said Albert.
While Albert described Cordoba as “very educated and very well-spoken,” but she said it was Cordoba’s peaceful demeanor that stood out the most.
“She had this calmness about her and such a sweet smile. She was very gracious,” said Albert.
Several diocese employees shared similar sentiments about Cordoba and said they always tried to sit near Cordoba at the daily Mass because of her personality.
"She exuded holiness," said Therese Bermphol, the diocese's director of family life. "She was kind to everyone. She was thoughtful. She was maternal."
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Albert agreed, calling Cordoba a “loving mother” and good neighbor who always reached out to kids in the community.
“She encouraged her kids to participate in everything that had to do with serving their community and she really embraced the kids in the neighborhood as well,” said Albert.
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Funeral and memorial services for Cordoba have not yet been announced.
Read more on Patch:
Thoughtful, Beautiful, Maternal — Colleagues Describe Woman Killed in Spanish Train Crash
3 Victims of Spain Train Wreck Lived in Annandale, Attended Church in Fairfax
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