Elida E. Mares-Nino

Elida E. Mares-Nino, age 69, of Holland, passed away Friday, March 25, 2022.

Elida was born on December 1, 1952, to Clemente Santos and Irene Rangel Santos in Plainwell, Michigan. She had ten brothers and sisters. From an early age she learned what hard work was by picking blue berries and onions in the fields with her mother and siblings. Elida carried on the tradition and legacy of hard work by taking her children and grandchildren peach and apple picking. In April of 2012 Elida married Juan Nino at Christ Memorial Church. They were together for a total of 33 years. Elida loved him deeply. When it came to employment, Elida was a woman of many trades. She was a seamstress, event caterer, income tax professional, as well as, the full time head cook at Holland Hospital. After ten years of food service Elida transitioned into a new role at Holland Hospital, home health care. For the next 28 years she worked as a CNA and loved every minute of it. This job meant the world to her. Elida was a devout Christian and truly loved the Lord. She was currently a member of Christ Memorial Church and was actively involved in Alpha at the church under Pastor Lisa's leadership. She made many lifelong friends through the classes and retreats. Elida had a fun and spunky personality along with a great sense of humor. Given her heart for people she was known to go above and beyond for anyone in need. Elida was a loyal friend to many. She was an excellent cook, loved music, and family was everything to her.

Elida is survived by her husband, Juan Niño; daughters, Veronica Mares & Amy Mares, son; Jesus Mares; grandsons, Jacob Mares & Jorge Torres; step children, Tomas Niño, Francisca Nino, Tomasa Nino, Francisco Nino, Rogelio Nino, Guadalupe Nino, Theresa Nino, Elvira Nino, Ana Nino, Javier Nino; many step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; brother, Nasario Santos & Jose Santos; sisters, Lucia Arredondo, Hilaria Santos, Norma Santos and many nieces and nephews.

Elida was preceded in death by her father, Clemente Santos Sr. and mother, Irene Rangel Santos; sisters, Rebecca Galvan, Rosa Leal, Lydia Guerra, Susan Clawson; brother, Clemente Santos Jr.; sons, David Mares Jr., Victor Isreal Mares, Victor Clemente Mares and former spouse, David Mares Sr.

The family will receive visitors from 11:00am to 1:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:00pm, on Friday April 1, at the Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street, Holland. A funeral ceremony to honor Elida's life and legacy will be held at 11:00am, Saturday April 2, at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral ceremony. Reverend Lisa Urivez-Karp and Reverend Louis Ruiz presiding. A graveside ceremony and interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery, Holland.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 and also to the Mares-Nino family, 29 East 9th Street, Holland, MI 49423 to defray funeral expenses.

Funeral arrangements are under the auspices of the Mulder Chapel.