Consuelo Sanchez Vidal

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Consuelo Sanchez Vidal. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Consuelo was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Consuelo knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Her parents were Jose and Abigail Sanchez. Consuelo was raised in La Palma, Michoacan, Mexico. Even as a youngster, Consuelo learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Consuelo was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to do. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Consuelo was raised with six siblings. She had one older brother, Alfredo, one older sister Alicia, two younger brothers, Luis and Mario and two younger sisters, Rosa and Bertha. Regardless of her or position in her family, Consuelo was always the leader and the one that everyone looked up to and came to for help. She would have it no other way.

An objective and conscientious individual, Consuelo reveled in the security of her family. On November 26, 1976 Consuelo exchanged wedding vows with Sergio Vidal at the Monte Carmelo Catholic Church of San Ysidro, California. One of Consuelo’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Consuelo was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Consuelo would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Consuelo was blessed with five children, two sons, Jesus and Gustavo, and three daughters Soraida, Veronica and Sonia. She was also blessed with twelve grandchildren, Fernando, Amanda, Esteban, Matthew, Sebastian, Felix, Caitlin, Cristian, Kylah, Ruth, Adan, and Nicolas.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Consuelo was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Consuelo was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Consuelo upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was being a Burner in the shipyard industry. She was employed for 15 years. Consuelo was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Consuelo approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were dancing, gardening and gambling. Consuelo was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Consuelo to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list was baseball, especially Padre games.

Faith was important to Consuelo. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member of Saint Anthony's Catholic Church.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Consuelo used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Consuelo had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Alaska, Cuba, Mexico, Central America, Europe, Canada, Morocco, Caribbean, and South America.

Consuelo was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Consuelo’s favorites was Teddy, a Pomeranian Dog. They were best friends for 18 years.

When Consuelo’s retirement finally arrived in 2009, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, she found new pleasure in staying active in church. In many ways, Consuelo loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Consuelo passed away on January 19, 2013 at her home in National City, California. Consuelo fought a brave battle against cancer. She is survived by her husband, four children, and twelve grandchildren. Consuelo will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in San Diego, California.

All who knew her would agree that Consuelo was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Consuelo Sanchez Vidal did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.