Morris M. Vidaurre, 88, passed away peacefully in the home he shared with his loving wife in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on February 1, 2026. Born on November 30, 1937, in Sandy Bay Sirpi, Nicaragua, Morris's journey through life was marked by devotion, hard work, stoicism, and an unwavering faith.

Born to Miguel Manuel and Mildred Moises, Morris began with a life of limited opportunity but through hard work, faith, and dedication, grew into an extraordinary life. While studying at seminary in Nicaragua, he attended a convocation in Bilwi, Nicaragua, where he met Genolia, the woman who would become his wife of 61 years. He was immediately struck by her beauty and spirit, beginning a partnership rooted in love, faith, and mutual devotion that would shape the rest of his life. After completing his seminary education, Morris answered a call to serve as pastor at Beach Moravian Church in Nicaragua, where he also served as choir director. Through both his preaching and music, he touched countless lives, leading with compassion, humility, and deep conviction.

At the request of the Moravian Church, Morris undertook missionary and cooperative work through CASIM, an organization under the Moravian World Mission. Through CASIM, Morris traveled throughout Central America, engaging in cooperative development that helped rural villages improve their quality of life through shared labor, education, and mutual aid. As part of his work, he translated the Moravian Hymnal and Bible into his native Miskito, opening a pathway for indigenous communities in Nicaragua to fully engage with the Word of God in their own language. His commitment was hands-on and exacting; Morris printed the translated texts himself and enlisted the help of his children to ensure every copy met his personal standards. His love for the word of God was paramount in his life and evident through all his work. After settling in the United States, Morris continued his stewardship as a devoted member of College Hill Moravian Church, where he lived the Word with every fiber of his being and inspired others to find solace and strength in their beliefs.

During his and his family's time in Nicaragua, political unrest changed the trajectory of Morris' life. Recognizing the atrocities being committed against innocent civilians by the Somoza regime during the Nicaraguan Revolution, Morris became a political activist, enlisting the help of his family in aiding the Sandinista guerillas to overthrow the authoritarian government. After the fall of the Somoza regime, Morris was approached to serve as mayor of Puerto Cabezas in recognition of his leadership and moral conviction. True to his humble spirit he declined the role, preferring a life of service rooted in faith, family, and quiet dedication to others.

When the Sandinista government came into power, Morris did not re-engage in political activism. However, his role as a pastor and his extensive travel throughout Nicaragua for his work with CASIM drew the attention of the new regime. Authorities suspected that he was organizing communities in opposition to the government, and believed he was working with the Contras. As a result, Morris was taken as a political prisoner for two years, enduring torture and severe hardship. Though Morris rarely spoke of his time in captivity, the sacrifices he made and the suffering he endured were profound. His imprisonment ultimately became the catalyst for his family's relocation to the United States, undertaken in the hope of safety, freedom, and a life free from persecution. Throughout the many years after his emigration, Morris continued to contribute to his community through his work at Reeb Millwork in Bethlehem, PA, and the Morning Call in Allentown, PA. His commitment to his convictions and his fellow man were a testament to his strong work ethic and belief in the value of every individual.

In addition to his full life lived prior to his arrival in the United States, Morris was an avid hobbyist. He was a skilled woodworker, creating beautiful pieces for both personal enjoyment and for those who sought his craftsmanship. Musically gifted, Morris played both the guitar and piano and generously shared his talent by teaching guitar from his home – always free of charge – to anyone eager to learn. An athletic individual, he found relaxation through scuba diving with friends in Nicaragua. Morris' love for baseball was well known, rooted in his time pitching for a softball team in Nicaragua. His team went on to win a championship in front of a packed stadium, a moment that brought him and his family immense pride and joy. His passion for fishing was also lifelong, often bringing his grandchildren with him to fish in the Lehigh River.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and memories cherished by his children: Mauricio Vidaurre, Margarita and her husband Samuel Velez, Mesalina and her husband Jeffrey Nazzaro, Karen Vidaurre, Wallenstein and his wife Yahaira Vidaurre, and Susan Vidaurre. Morris' brother, Guillermo Vidaurre and his wife Elenor, also survive him, carrying forward the memories of their shared childhood and the bond of brotherhood. His nine grandchildren and one great-grandson will miss the warmth of his smile, the wisdom of his words, and the unconditional love he showed them.

Morris was predeceased by his dedicated wife of 61 years, Genolia M. Vidaurre, who passed away on December 13, 2022. Together, they built a life filled with love, faith, and unwavering support for each other. He was also preceded in death by his parents Miguel Manuel and Mildred Moises, his beloved son Marc Anthony Vidaurre, his sister Carmela Vidaurre, and loving son-in-law Douglas L. Richards, whose memories remain a beacon of love in the hearts of all who knew him.

Services: A Visitation will be held from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. A Funeral Service will be held the next morning, Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the funeral home at 10 A.M, followed by interment at Bethlehem Memorial Park, 1851 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Morris' name to College Hill Moravian Church- 72 W. Laurel Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 or to Peaceable Kingdom- 1049 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, PA18052.