Elsa Almeida

Almeida, Elsa WAUNAKEE - Elsa Almeida, age 77, of Waunakee, passed away on Monday, May 7, 2007, at Creekwood Assisted Living facility. She was born on June 12, 1929, in Matanzas, Cuba, the daughter of Senator Ricardo and Ana Coralia Campaneria (Porro). Growing up the daughter of Senator Campaneria was the good life in Cuba during that time, and her family lived in both Matanzas and Havana after he was elected in 1939. In her hometown of Matanzas she met a handsome horse and cattle man, Amaury Almeida. Amaury and Elsa were married July 23, 1946, in Havana. They lived and raised their children there as Amaury began his cattle importing business and built business relationships and friendships all over the world. In 1961, after the Cuban revolution, the Almeidas left behind family and friends in Cuba to take refuge in the United States in hopes of a better life. Elsa and her husband acted as foster parents for many young Cuban refugees near Miami, and began re-making their lives in their new country. There, Amaury started a cattle exporting business that eventually became Almeida and Sons Dairy Cattle. In 1968, Elsa and her family moved to Wisconsin so Amaury could further develop his growing cattle business. Elsa settled into her new life and took great pride in her work at Dane County Social Services. She loved and perfected her Cuban recipes and nothing made her happier than to entertain and spend time with her family and friends. She loved to tell stories of her life in Cuba and of her dearest memories there. Elsa also loved to travel and took several trips to Europe and Mexico with her children, grandchildren and friends. She also loved to attend her familys annual reunion in Longboat Key, Fla. She is survived by her children, Ricardo Almeida (Lee Hagen) of Avoca, Elsa Morrick (Steve) of Middleton, and Cristina Almeida (Brian Gorecki) of Minneapolis, Minn.; and grandchildren Tico Almeida of New York, N.Y., Alex Almeida of Milwaukee, Derek Morrick of Richland Center, Amanda Morrick of Madison, and Kaitlin Morrick of Middleton. Elsa was preceded in death by her parents, Ricardo Campaneria and Ana Coralia Porro; her sister, Elsa Campaneria; her husband, Amaury Almeida; her son, Amaury Almeida Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Alina Torrens Almeida; and daughter, Ana Maria Almeida. Public visitation will be held Saturday, May 12, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton. Private services and burial to follow. Donations to the Wisconsin Parkinson Association are appreciated (1-800-972-5455). Love, faith, and family gave Elsa strength throughout her life, and her grace and kindness will be carried on through everyone that was blessed to know her.