Blanca Graciela “Chela” Short of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Arthur William “Bill” Short, and mother to Natalie M. Short, Carol A. (Short) Lee and husband Robert, Jeffrey W. Short and his wife Kim, and Colleen N. Short and “Abuelita” to Tayler and Brady Lee and Ava and William Short.
Born on April 3, 1942, in Popayan, Colombia, Chela was the daughter of the late Nestor and Delia Cordoba. Chela grew up in Buenaventura, Colombia. She was employed at Banco Cafetero where she then met Bill in 1964 while he was serving in the Peace Corps. She often said that it was “love at first sight”. Chela and Bill were married at the Catedral de San Buenaventura in Buenaventura on March 6, 1966. They left Colombia for the United States soon thereafter. She studied and became fluent in English while Bill finished his last year at college in 1967. They lived in Stoneham, MA, and started their family in 1968. She was a wonderful mother and adored her children. Later, they moved to Puerto Rico for a few years and subsequently returned to Stoneham, MA, in 1971. She returned to work in banking as a teller for several years. In 1981, the family moved to Mattapoisett, a small town on the waters of Buzzards Bay. Chela was thrilled to finally live near the ocean, as she had in her childhood days. Family always came first and helping the children with everything made her happy. She also convinced two of her sisters and her brother to live closer. They were busy times as all the connected families celebrated many occasions with dancing and music, especially Colombian music. Chela loved it except when Bill put the music too high!
Chela and Bill shared a love for travel and stayed active with swimming, running, tennis, and gardening. Chela was a beautiful swimmer and truly enjoyed being in the water. She cherished her time with her children and grandchildren. She loved taking Tayler and Brady Lee, who live nearby, to Mattapoisett beaches and the YMCA. Chela and Bill would frequently visit Ava and William Short in Grand Cayman and swim at a seven-mile beach. Nothing brought her more joy than seeing her family together- laughing, enjoying cookouts, eating dinners in the cabana, playing cards, and dancing. She was also a talented cook. Chela’s unwavering spirit and deep love for her family were at the heart of who she was.
She was a loving sister to Almir Cordoba (deceased), Carmen Albarracin, Marina Taylor, Arturo Cordoba (deceased), Antonio Cordoba, Teresa Cordoba, Cristina Cordoba, and a dear aunt to Jennifer Leahy and Sandra Gold, Richie Cordoba, and many other nephews and nieces.
She was very close to her sister, Teresa, and enjoyed many happy times at her home in South Deerfield and with her brother, Antonio, in Boston. Chela and her youngest sister, Cristina, started a small business in Marion called, “Little Princess Boutique.” They were very talented seamstresses as they sold their handmade children’s clothes, First Communion dresses, and other special occasions.
Chela found joy in giving rather than receiving and could intuitively sense when others needed help. Her warmth, kindness, and unconditional love for her family will always be treasured, and her beautiful spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 8th at 10 am at St. Anthony Church in Mattapoisett. Her family will receive visitors at the Church beginning at 9:30 am. Burial will follow in Cushing Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the YMCA of New Bedford ( https://ymcasouthcoast.org/ways-to-give/) or to St, Anthony’s Parish (www.anthonyandrita.com). For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
