Nilda Aurora Valdés Ortiz

Nilda Aurora Valdés Ortiz, born on December 31, 1932, in Havana, Cuba, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. She was the beloved daughter of Miguel and Leonor Valdés. Nilda attended Catholic school during her early years before moving to Santiago, Cuba, where she graduated and met the love of her life, Dr. René Angel Ortiz. The two married in 1951, beginning a lifelong journey together. A devoted wife and homemaker, Nilda’s life was characterized by her enduring love for her family and her unwavering resilience. Together, she and René built a life filled with love and joy, raising two children, Ingrid and René, Jr. whom she fondly called “Renecito.” In 1962, amidst political turmoil, the family made the courageous decision to leave Cuba and begin anew in the United States. Over the years, the family’s path took them from Winfield, Kansas, to Wichita, Kansas, and then to Memphis, Tennessee, before finally settling in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1971, where they made their home and grew their roots. In each place, Nilda created a loving and welcoming home, marked by her strength, grace, and deep faith. A devout Catholic, Nilda was a long-time and dedicated member of the Basilica of St. Peter, where her commitment to her faith and community was a guiding light. Though she had never cooked a meal before moving to the United States, she taught herself to prepare incredible dishes for her family, always saying, ‘If you can read, you can cook!’ Her meals were a reflection of her love even though she famously hated the process. Still, she found joy in sharing recipes with her daughter over the phone, bringing them closer through their shared love of food. She was the best cook—and the best storyteller—always weaving warmth and humor into everything she did. Nilda was the cornerstone of her family, instilling cherished traditions and Christian values that will live on in each of them. With wisdom and grace, she found lessons in every moment—good or bad—and often reminded us, ‘When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.’ A devoted matriarch, she emphasized the importance of education, knowing its profound impact. She left everything behind in Cuba to enjoy freedom in the United States. Despite this loss, she would often say, ‘No one can EVER take away your education.’ One of her proudest moments came when she and René decided to use a portion of his first official paycheck in the United States to purchase a complete set of the Encyclopedia Britannica for the family. Nilda’s unwavering dedication to her family and her belief in perseverance and love of learning leave an indelible legacy we will treasure forever. Nilda is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. René Angel Ortiz, Sr. (2001); brothers, Miguel A. Valdés (Lourdes) (2004) and Carlos O. Valdés (Sylvia) (2019); and her dearest friends, whom she considered family, Dr. and Mrs. Marcelo Llorente (2021). She is survived by her children, Ingrid Ortiz Chilton (Jan) and René Angel Ortiz, Jr., and her treasured grandchildren, Rachel O. Ellis (Britt), Dr. Caroline A. Walker (Dr. Marc Walker), Andrew E. Ortiz, William J. Aldridge (Lee), Dr. Sven H. Chilton, and Blair T. Durst (Matthew). She was the proud great-grandmother of Brice and Alston Ellis, Leslie Eason and William Henry “Hank” Aldridge, Catherine and Josephine Walker, and Trafford and Everett Durst. She also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews, including Lourdes María Valdés Lopez (Laureano), Carolina V. Ecker (Karol), Carolina Ortiz Puerto (Roger) and Sergio Cruz (Miriam) all of whom cherished her deeply. Celebration of Life A Mass in memory of Nilda will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 20th, at 11:00 AM at the Basilica of St. Peter, located at 1529 Assembly St., Columbia, SC 29201. The entombment will follow immediately at Bush River Memorial Gardens, 5400 Bush River Rd., Columbia, SC 29212. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made in Nilda’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Nilda will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts. Her life was a testament to love, devotion, and perseverance, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness and faith that will continue to inspire all who knew her. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her longtime weekly caregiver and friend, Olivia Naranjo, as well as Interim Healthcare Hospice, especially Aja, Tiffany, and Bebe, for the exceptional care and kindness they showed to our mother and family.