The Life of Lidia Ricardo Ruiz


Lidia Ricardo Ruiz, affectionately known as Abui, Abuela and GiGi, was born on August 3, 1935 in Holguin, Cuba to Angel Ricardo and Gloria Carmen Ruiz. As a young lady growing up in a close-knit town, Lidia was known for having a heart for children, especially children who had special needs. Never one to overlook the young, Lidia made it her life's work.

At the age of 19, Lidia was married to Orlando Zaldivar and their union produced three beautiful children: Delmis Zaldivar Ricardo, Marta Zaldivar Ricardo and Orlando Zaldivar Ricardo. Some time later, the family left Holguin for Havana where those times were treasured by her children as they recall their mother's love for her family and her passion working as a special needs teacher. As the peacemaker and one who brought the family together, Lidia's love was felt in tangible ways where she was known for cooking tasty meals for the family such as her famous garbanzo dish and flan.

Often her children and even her six grandchildren, Leonardo, Mayumi, Yunier, Alain, Orlandito and Tayret would hear her scolding if they fought as she would say asi no se hace - that is not the way to do it. Her deep concern for all her children, including her seven great-grandchildren, meant that she made each of them feel loved and there were no favorites.

As the years passed, Lidia made frequent trips with her daughter, Marta, to spend time and eventually live with her granddaughter Mayumi and husband, Jeff in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, in The Bahamas. In Abaco, Lidia, who was affectionately called Grammy by the residents, was reunited with her grandchildren, Alain and Tayret and her husband, Timmy. Her daughter, Delmis and son Leonardo also visited her on occasion.

In September of 2019 when hurricane Dorian struck the island, Lidia relocated with Mayumi and her family to Stuart, Florida, where she quickly adjusted to life there. Her daily routine would consist of watching the family's dogs, reading her Bible constantly, calling her family members every Monday and watching her favorite shows on Univision.

This past summer, Lidia began to experience some health challenges and in August she was diagnosed with cancer, which she courageously battled with the same strength, grace and dignity she was known for all her life. Her strong faith in God was what kept her until she was called home to heaven on September 19, 2022 at 4:05 p.m.

As the sweetest mother, grandmother and great-grandmother of her family, Lidia's legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their families.