Eleanor Adele (Corda) Avilla

Surrounded by the love of her family, our dearest mother, grandmother (Gram), great-grandmother (Gigi), Nonnie, and friend, Eleanor Adele “Mud” Avilla (Corda), passed away on April 23, 2021, in her home. She was preceded in death by her parents. Henry and Edna Corda; beloved husband, Richard; brothers, Ernest and Vernon Corda; and sister, Esther Moreda. She is survived by her daughter, Therese Avilla; granddaughters, Julie Cabezud (Josiah) and Melissa Schulz; and great-granddaughters, Iris and Capri Cabezud; sister in law Minnie Corda, Debbie Moreda who she considered a 2nd daughter,  and devoted caregiver, Mere. Godmother of Ralph Sartori, Jim Moreda, Nancy Corda and Jodi McIntosh-Napier.

Born on September 25, 1928, Eleanor was a lifelong Petaluma resident, the life of every party, and incredibly spunky spirit. She was so full of life and loved to be the center of attention at parties, even known to do the “worm” on the dance floor. It may have been these talents that led to her being paired with the love of her life, Richard, after he crashed a wedding she was attending. Their love story is one for the ages, as they were true best friends, confidants, and adventure companions. They owned Yamaha Petaluma for ten years, an endeavor that brought them many of their lifelong friends.

She had a costume and accessories for every holiday and colorful outfits for every other day, and developed her own equally colorful language to match. Even though she was sick her whole life and in and out of the hospital since age 13, Eleanor was a big tomboy, lover of sports, RV and boating enthusiast, and rodeo queen. Despite not knowing how to swim, she was known for her waterskiing talents well into her life. She lived big and never let her health hold back her plans.

When she couldn’t sleep, she would wake up and bake. This worked out well because she was the consummate hostess and loved entertaining a constant stream of visitors in her vibrant home on Western Avenue. She loved socializing in general, and had a close group of friends she played cards with, rotating between houses, in addition to being involved with the Golden Roosters RV Club, the Native Daughters of the Golden West, and the Red Hatters. She also had a way with children and won many bonus grandchildren through her incredibly kind and attentive disposition.

The biggest joy in her life were her great-granddaughters Iris and Capri.

Even in her last days, her face would light up when they were brought to her bedside.

The family wishes to thank her amazing caregiver, Mere, who was a constant companion in Eleanor’s final four years, providing exceptional care and compassion. The many kindnesses shown to Eleanor and her family by Mere and her family will not be forgotten.

The family asks that you honor Eleanor’s memory by hugging a little tighter, loving a little deeper, sharing kindness with a stranger, and never passing up an opportunity to dance. Eleanor lived her life with joy, grace, and gratitude. Her legacy lives on, and we have felt the overwhelming outpouring of love and support already in this short time.

Donations may be made in Eleanor’s honor to Hospice of Petaluma.

A viewing will be held on Friday, April 30, from 11:00 to 5:00 at Parent Sorensen Mortuary in Petaluma.   A rosary to follow at 7 p.m. at St. Vincent’s de Paul Church in Petaluma. The service will be held on Saturday, May 1st, at St. Vincent’s at 2:00pm.

Due to the restrictions imposed by Covid-19, the service will be held at reduced capacity. The family asks that attendees observe safety precautions, including wearing a mask and maintaining social distance.

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