Enidelvia “Nina” Soluaga (née Velasquez), aged 94, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024 in Vacaville, California.  Born on February 2, 1930, in the quaint town of Celendín, Perú, Nina’s life was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her family and her Catholic faith that guided her every action. In the United States, she was part of a village of friends, all missing their motherland but united in the Spanish language from countries such as Peru, Netherlands, Columbia, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Costa Rica, etc. She was one of the remaining OGs called La Vieja Guardia.

Nina was a protective and loving matriarch who put family above all else.  Known for her strict yet affectionate approach to parenting, Nina’s love for her children was both fierce and tender.  She dedicated her life to raising “buenas personas” (good humans) and later relished in the joy of being an overly indulgent “abuelita” (grandma).  Nina maintained a strong work ethic and resilient spirit throughout her life.  Her resolve and perseverance were matched only by her capacity for kindness and compassion towards others.  Her traditional yet forward-thinking approach to life left a lasting mark on her loved ones.

Nina was a devout Catholic who found great solace in the religious traditions of her homeland, particularly the celebration of El Señor de Los Milagros.  One of the largest religious processions in the world, Peruvians dress in purple the entire month of October as they carry a famous painting of Jesus Christ on the cross throughout the streets of Lima, Perú as well as in San Francisco, California.  Nina’s love for the color lavender was a nod to this cherished tradition, and she carried an emblem of this famous painting with her always.  Nina’s personality was vibrant.  She was a natural storyteller and enjoyed engaging in long conversations filled with anecdotes and laughter.  While she never learned to drive or swim, she often joked that her legs were made for walking and walk she did. She was able to hum, whistle a tune, and gently whisper sweet-nothings while carrying a baby all night long so the parents can sleep. She would push a heavy stroller uphill as well as ride a bus with a toddler, all at age 80! She could outwalk and outtalk everyone around her!

Nina was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Luis Soluaga, her best friend and older sister, Dora, and her sisters on her father’s side, Sixtina and Otilia.  She is survived by her oldest daughter, Luz Kirsch, son-in-law Joshua Kirsch, grandsons Nicolás and Lukas Kirsch; middle son, Luis Soluaga and granddaughter Rio Soluaga; youngest daughter, Doris Murtha, son-in-law Douglas Murtha, and grandchildren Charlie and Elise Murtha; and her younger brother, Homero Velásquez and family.

Nina was cremated and will be laid to rest in a shared plot next to her husband on Friday, November 29, the day after Thanksgiving, her favorite holiday.  The burial will take place at 1:45pm at Sunset View Cemetery (101 Colusa Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530) followed by a reception at her daughter Luz Kirsch’s home in El Cerrito.

Mom loved Spanish audio books from the Library of Congress! In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nina’s memory can be made to the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), an organization that greatly enriched her life in her later years when she battled age-related macular degeneration. Please scroll & choose “National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)” at https://www.loc.gov/philanthropy/online-donation/fund

Nina’s life and legacy will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.  Her family extends their gratitude for the compassionate care and support provided during this time, and invites you to remember Nina as the spirited, loving, and devout woman she was.