Matilda Ballard's Obituary
Matilda Adeline (Cordeiro) Ballard “Tillie” peacefully passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at the age of 96.
Matilda was born in Kauai to Raymond Ortiz Cordeiro and Leopoldina (Pauline) Cabecinha Cordeiro (Leopoldina later married Talbert Johnson). After living in Kauai, the family moved to Hayward, Ca. where many wonderful family memories were made. She was one of six children including Helen, Mary, Jenny, Raymond and Alvina.
She graduated from Hayward High School then began working at Pacific Bell. It was there she met the love of her life, Ernest Ballard. They were married in Oakland in 1948, purchased their home in Castro Valley and enjoyed 54 wonderful years together before Ernie passed in 2002.
Tillie and their first-born daughter traveled to Morocco when Ernie was called back into the Navy during the Korean War. Upon returning to Castro Valley and her “forever home” Tillie chose the family life and also became a foster parent. Their family grew with the addition of two more daughters and a son. There was always an abundance of love in their home and they were so happy with the family they were blessed with.
Tillie was a wonderful daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandma, great-grandma and friend. She was a great cook, chauffeur, party planner and homemaker. She could do it all! Tillie lived for and loved her family, extended family and friends and was always there for you if needed. She was caring, fun and loved by all. Family life included many fun filled times with camping trips, Disneyland trips, and countless great holiday and family celebrations. A very special trip to Hawaii was shared by Tillie and Ernie for one of their anniversaries. Through the years the family continued to grow adding many grandchildren and great-grandchildren which she adored. With extended family included many family gatherings were moved to rented halls. The more loved ones, the merrier. In quiet times at home Tillie enjoyed her favorite TV shows, radio talk programs, watching baseball games and a good cup of tea with a sweet treat.
You will always be missed
Endless Love and Memories will keep you Forever in our Hearts
Tillie was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Ernest Ballard. She is survived by children; Karen (Steve) Loyd of Brentwood, Janice Ballard of Castro Valley, Sandra Keding of Concord and Randall (Maria) Ballard of Herriman, Utah and sister Alvina Pfiester of Folsom. Grandchildren; Steven (Cyndy) Loyd, Stacey (Brian) Tuley, Scott (Jessica) Loyd, Jeff Ballard, Daniel Ballard, Kreg (Enjay) Keding, Reggie (Catalina) Keding, Bryan (Lilianna) Keding and 15 Great-Grandchildren; Nicholas, Sarah, Savannah & Owen Loyd; Elliot and Adeline Tuley; Everly and Charlotte Loyd; Annabella and Apollo Keding; Logan, Harlow & Phoenix Keding; Mason and Zakariah Keding; and many other loved family members.
A “Celebration of Life” will be announced and scheduled in the future.
Shared special moments and photos with Tillie are welcomed
Matilda is resting in peace at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland.
To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state and CDC officials. If you are planning on attending a service, please contact the funeral home in advance, so that we can plan accordingly.
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