Omaira Alcira Cortes-Valdes

June 13, 1945 - March 16, 2018

Omaira Alcira Cortes Morales Kester passed away on March 16, 2018 in Salt Lake City, UT. She was born June 13th, 1945 in Santiago de Veraguas in the Republic of Panama to Abigail Valdes and Adonai Cortes. She married Alberto Morales and then William Van Kester. Omaira was one of the leading pioneers of the of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in her home country Panama. Leading to the construction of the first formal church building. She served many church callings for the Bella Vista Ward and Stake such as a teacher, visiting teacher, Sunday School teacher, Primary President and Relief Society President. No matter the calling, Omaira always gave her best effort to love those she served and with her great sense of humor, those she served loved her as well. She was devoted to sending two of her children on their missions, which led them to becoming a part of the first generation of missionaries in Panama, Panama. Twelve years ago she made the decision to migrate to the United States of America to reunite with her only grandchildren. In this country she found many lifelong friends. Many considered her to be their family even referring her to be their “Abuela”. Omaira always believed strongly in the power of education, hard work and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was survived by: her husband William “Bill” Van Kester, her children Omaira Scott Aguayo (spouse Ernesto Aguayo), Alcira Morales Alba (spouse Ramon Alba), and Alberto Morales. Her grandchildren Jose R. Bonilla and Evelyn E. Sanchez. Her siblings Dr. Adonai Cortes (Spouse Doris Cortes), Lobelia Roman, Elda Cortes (spouse Everardo Arosemena), Idalia Cortes and Alsina Cortes. She was preceded in death by: Her parents Abigail Valdes and Adonai Cortes, her ex-husband Alberto Morales, and her sister-in-law Ines Morales Her memorial services will be March 24, 2018 at 10:30am at the LDS chapel, Holladay 2nd Ward 2065 East 4675 South, Holladay UT 84117. We extend a thank you to the nurses and CNA’s of Inspiration Hospice and Home Health. Specifically to Dr. Steve Scoville and Nurse Natalie Evans and her hospice aid Val for their extraordinary care and help. And everyone at Cascades at Riverwalk who spoiled Omaira with love and care. A big thank you to our adopted family, the Samayoas, Roxana Quituinto-Fernadez, Franscisco and Daily Linares, Maira Morales, Ernesto Aguayo, Jose, Evelyn, Alex and Bishop Roger Beardshall for always being there through thick and thin. Please share memories and condolences at www.serenityfhs.com