Nelda M Hidalgo

Nelda Mangham Hidalgo, a longtime resident of Cedar Park, Texas, passed away on January 24, 2025, at the age of 85. She was born on June 23, 1939, in Austin, Texas, to the late Finus and Edna Mangham.

Nelda lived a beautiful life filled with love, family and friendships.

In her youth, she overcame losing her hearing to a nearly fatal illness. She viewed this as a challenge and became an avid reader and an expert lip reader. Her love of reading and thirst for knowledge, enhanced by a mean photographic memory, gave her an encyclopedia like mind. She was typically the smartest person in the room and wasn’t afraid to prove it.

In 1957, Nelda met the love of her life, Jerry Hidalgo. After a whirlwind romance, they married on November 2 of the same year. The couple shared a beautiful journey together, spanning over two decades with the Air Force. This adventurous life led them across different parts of the world, yet it was their two daughters, Dianna and Sharon, born in 1960 and 1961, respectively, who were their pride and joy, if you don’t count the poodles. By the mid-1970s, Nelda and Jerry chose to settle back in Central Texas, where they laid down lasting roots.

Here Nelda thrived amid tight family ties. Her strict outward demeanor asked that her grandchildren call her “grandmother” and that her nieces and nephews call her “Mean Ole Aunt Nel”. But her soft inner persona was generous and kind. She was loving with a touch of vulnerability that made everyone feel welcome and nurtured.

Nelda is survived by her two beloved daughters, Dianna Smith and Sharon Hidalgo and their spouses Ben and Conrad, four grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jessica, Kenneth and Shauna, two great-grandchild, Kiki and Annabel, her sister Barbara Connelly, her brothers Jack, Jim, and Darrell Mangham, her sister-in-law Nancy Mangham and countless nieces and nephews. Her husband, Jerry, predeceased her, leaving behind a legacy of security, love and adventure. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Finus and Edna Mangham, who instilled in her the values that she carried throughout her life.

A celebration of Nelda Hidalgo’s life will be held on March 1st at her family home, a place filled with the love and memories she cherished. As we gather to honor Nelda, may we reflect on the remarkable person she was a devoted wife and mother, a respected family member, and a treasured friend. Her spirit, wisdom, and kindness will continue to light the path for those who loved her.

The family would like to acknowledge Hannah Yoder, Nelda’s beloved caregiver who has been there through thick and thin and is now like a family member.