Elsa Ninon Vidal

Elsa Ninon Vidal, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of the community, passed away on February 4, 2025, in Garden Grove, California, at the age of 96. Elsa was born on June 19, 1928, in Cienfuegos, Cuba, a prominent port city on the southern coast of the island.

Elsa was an exceptional student and graduated as valedictorian of her high school in Cienfuegos before going on to earn a teaching degree after three years of college. From a young age, she also excelled in music, studying piano from the age of seven. Elsa shared her passion for music with many, becoming a dedicated music instructor at the Hubert De Blank Music Academy and later incorporating her love for music into her teaching methods as she worked with children.

Her life's journey took a significant turn when she met Wilfredo Francisco Vidal while vacationing in Casilda, the hometown of a friend. The two were married for 62 years, sharing a life full of love, faith, and commitment to their family.

Elsa's teaching career began in Palmira, Cuba, where she taught first and second grades before transitioning to teaching music in the mornings and kindergarten in the afternoons. In 1962, Elsa and Wilfredo made the brave decision to immigrate to the United States, where Elsa worked various factory jobs, including making carpets for the automotive industry and assembling airplane parts. Her resilience and dedication were evident in her hard work, and she continued to seek opportunities for growth.

Through a Pacific Telephone program for college-credentialed immigrants, she was trained as an order writer, a role she held for 12 years, followed by her last position with the Orange County Transit Authority for four years before retiring at the age of 63.

After retiring, Elsa dedicated herself to taking care of her home and, in her own words, “taking care of her grandchildren,” all while continuing her music ministry at church. Elsa’s faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she faithfully served the Lord through her music ministry from the age of 16 until the age of 89, when her beloved husband Wilfredo went to be with the Lord. She especially loved serving as choir director in the music ministry of her church, where the sounds of her piano filled the space with melodies of devotion.

Elsa had many passions outside of her work. She loved decorating and working on her family home, always putting her personal touch into every corner. She was skilled at sewing, and she enjoyed socializing with her friends and family. The joy she found in sharing her home and music created lasting memories for all who knew her.

Elsa is survived by her daughter Elsa De Jesus Vidal, son Wilfredo De Jesus Vidal, son-in-law Ramon Sandoval, daughter-in-law Annemarie Vidal, grandchildren Ashlyn Conole, Andrew Vidal, Matthew Sandoval, and Daniel Sandoval, and great-grandchildren Sutton Conole and Rush Conole.

Elsa was preceded in death by her husband, Wilfredo Francisco Vidal; her mother, Maria Emilia Martinez Fernandez; her father, Jose Miguel Martinez; and her brothers, Enrique Martinez, Adolfo Martinez, and Miguel Martinez.

Elsa will forever be remembered for her talents, courage, generosity, and deep faith. She was a woman of great strength and conviction, whose legacy will live on through her family, her music, and her unwavering dedication to those she loved.

A service to celebrate Elsa’s life will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 2:30 PM in the Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel, followed by a graveside service in the Westminster Memorial Park Garden of Meditation and a reception in the Westminster Memorial Park Hospitality Room.

May she rest in peace, and may her family find comfort in the memories of her love and devotion.