Hilda Carmen Stanford, born Nov. 18, 1935, died peacefully with family surrounding her on April 1, 2006 after a blessedly short battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Hilda, a “Guantanamada,” was born in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. She met her husband, Aaron, while he was stationed there with the U.S. Navy in 1956. They were married in Havana in 1958 and moved to Texas where their son David was born. In 1962 Aaron’s Navy career moved them to Oak Harbor where their second son Duayne was born. Hilda and her family have made Oak Harbor their primary home for the past 44 years.

Hilda, true to her Cuban heritage, had a zest for life. She enjoyed dancing and she and Aaron won several dance contests doing the latest dances of the era in the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Hilda will be well remembered in the local Bingo community where she was a long-standing participant.

She is survived by her husband Aaron Stanford of Oak Harbor, her son David Stanford of Seattle, son Duayne Stanford of Oak Harbor and adopted son Gerald Stanford of Hawaii.

Hilda’s family would like to acknowledge and thank Shirley Steel and her son Jeff for their long-standing friendship and good care to Hilda during her illness.

A Mass for Hilda will be held at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church on Thursday, April 6, at 11 a.m., followed by a reception in celebration of Hilda’s life at the Parrish Hall. Visitation and viewing for her will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, April 5, from 4 to 8 p.m.