Jan. 31, 2024
Adelina “Nina” Sanahuja passed away on Jan. 31, 2024, in St. George, Utah, at the incredible age of 101. Born in Costa Rica, she came to the United States after her husband passed away in 1980. In Costa Rica, she had grown up on a farm in a remote part of that country, tending to livestock and helping with ranch work with her six siblings, until she met a young Spaniard, Eugenio, who would later become her husband. She married him in 1941 and had three children.
Adelina was an amazing seamstress, cook, caregiver to children and lover of life. She helped in Eugenio’s general store and farm after his dad left the business to him. She administered, kept the books, took care of inventory, helped with livestock and even ran the bar. Adelina would sew business suits for Eugenio and dresses and outfits for family and friends. In 1949, Adelina and Eugenio moved out to the capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica, and raised their children near the excellent schools there.
Adelina moved permanently to the United States in 1980 settling in California, following her daughters. There she helped raise all her grandchildren and became a fixture in her church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). She moved to St. George, Utah, in 2005, with her daughter Saray and remained there to her last day.
“Nina” (the name everyone knew her by) was fearless and fun. Kids loved her. When asked by her grandson Marc if she’d like to go for a ride on his motorcycle, she didn’t hesitate for a second, and exclaimed, “Yes!” She did the same with the prospect of flying in a tiny, single-engine airplane across 1,000 miles. She always had a smile and was willing to do anything for anyone. The world is less bright without Adelina in it. She is survived by her two daughters, Maria and Saray, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She lived a long life and always ended the day joking, “I wake up and nothing hurts, and I go to sleep, and nothing hurts…”
No public memorial service was held.
Written by Marc C. Lee (grandson)