Up until a week ago, Stella Cordova sat in the corner of Chubby’s until 3 a.m. each morning, her cheeks rosy from the kisses people planted on her.
Hundreds of people spanning six generations could accurately call the centenarian grandma. Hundreds more simply called her grandma out of affection for the woman who donated countless meals to the needy.
On Friday, the former owner of the original Chubby’s at West 38th Avenue and Lipan Street died peacefully in her sleep at 2 a.m., surrounded by many descendants. She died of complications from colon surgery.
“She outlived many of her children and even grandchildren,” said Julie Aragon, a granddaughter who was working at Chubby’s on Saturday. “She was a fun, funky lady.”
As word rapidly spread around town about her death, people started bringing bouquets of flowers to the restaurant.
The 110-pound Denver icon recently told Denver Post columnist Tina Griego that “very hot green chile” contributed to her longevity.
Cordova grew up on a farm in Walsenburg. As a girl, she stacked hay, worked beet fields and cleaned homes, according to Griego’s profile written in April, days before Cordova’s 100th birthday celebration that was attended by more than 500 people.
“I was raised without money,” Cordova told Griego. “I was raised without toys. Sometimes all we had was bread and water.”
She and her husband of 68 years, Alex, had 12 children, including two who were adopted.
Cordova took over Chubby’s in 1967. She added green chile and burritos, tostadas and tacos to the existing menu of hamburgers and hot dogs.
She had a soft spot for the needy and a good tongue-lashing for the rowdy, said Albert DeHerrera III, 31, Cordova’s great-grandson, who works at Chubby’s.
“If they didn’t have enough money for their order, she would say, ‘Oh, pay me next time,’ ” DeHerrera said.
Funeral arrangements are not yet completed, Aragon said.
One thing is for sure, she added: The funeral will be in an enormous place.
Kirk Mitchell: 303-954-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com
