Aurora M. Estenoz

April 7, 1926 – July 12, 2017. Aurora Maria Ramon Vidal (Nenita) was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. At the age of three, with the untimely death of her father, her mother was driven to take her family to the United States.

Living on a farm in Pittstown, New Jersey is where she spent the next ten years growing up and attending school. It was during this time she began to develop her love for animals and learn English. After returning to Cuba, she completed middle and high school and then went on to become an executive secretary for the bank of Nova Scotia. Years later, she met and fell in love with Carlos Luis Estenoz Roblejo. The two married in December 1950, and upheld 66 years of happiness, which include their four children Carlos Luis, Juan Antonio, Aurora and Estrella (Esther), their four Grandchildren, Michael, Kasandra, Ilene and Michelle as well as eight great grandchildren. Aurora endured a few hardships throughout the years.

The political incarceration of her husband in Cuba, the premature separation of her two teen aged sons; to prevent communist oppression, weighed profoundly. However, her strong faith in God fostered resiliency and courage. Aurora steadfastly maintained focus and did what was necessary to leave her native country of Cuba and return to the country she loved. Upon her arrival to San Diego, California where she remained, she started a new life never skipping a beat. She was quickly employed and before too long, she was hired with Union Bank where she remained until her retirement.

She was a strong woman; she worked hard to provide for her four children, ultimately, a single mother that prevailed and never lost hope of reuniting with her husband. When her husband Carlos was released from the Cuban prison, the two met in Spain where they were able to reconnect after seventeen long and difficult years of separation to continue their life in America. Aurora, (Nenita) was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved and was loved by many. She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital