Zelima S. Vidmar

Zelima was born in Renton on December 10, 1912 in the family home on Logan Street. Her Parents were Giacamo and Fortunata Mag-nani Gigli. She attended Henry Ford Elementary School and graduated from Renton High School in 1931. After high school she attend-ed and graduated from Metropolitan Business College in Seattle. As a young girl she studied piano with Ida Harris Dexter. At the age of 12 she continued her studies with advanced piano and theory with Silvie Risegari of Seattle.In 1933 she accepted a position as a secretary for the Department of Labor and Industry in Olympia, Washington. In 1937 she was sponsored by Lloyd Lindgren, Renton’s Representative, for a position on the staff of the 1937 Legislative Session. In July of 1937 she returned to Renton and married. The couple moved to Seattle and their son Donald was born in May of 1943. During WWll Zelima worked as a secretary at Inland Petroleum, Inc. She returned to live in Renton in 1944.Zelima was a member of St. Anthony Church from birth and became senior organist in 1946 and remained in that position through 1990. She played for hundreds of weddings and funerals and with here talent and love of music she also taught many students of all ages how to play the organ and piano.In 1948 Zelima married Frank (Viddy) Vidmar and on January 1st, 1951 their son John was born. He was the first baby of the year and they received prizes and their picture in the paper. After some time off from teaching in 1957 Zelima resumed teaching music lessons from a studio in her home on Renton Hill. She taught through 1990 when the studio was closed. Zelima was a life member of American Federation of Musicians, Sherwood School of Music (affiliated teachers), Organ and Piano Teachers Association, National Association of Organ Teachers, and Valley Music Teachers.Zelima S. Vidmar passed away peacefully on June 1. 2009.She is preceded in death by parents Giacamo and Fortunata Gigli, husband Frank, sisters Shirley Miskimens and Mary Burrus, niece Grace Miskimens Bridge, and grandson John Giacamo Hales.Surviving are sons John Vidmar and Donald Hales, their wives Linda and Darlene, grandchildren Jenny, Michael, Donald, Mary, Beth, Debbie, Sarah, David, Steven and Amy, 14 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.Memorial services were held at Faull-Stokes Mortuary on June 5th. The family requests a donation be made to Saint Vincent de Paul in place of flowers.Arrangements under the direction of Faull-Stokes Mortuary in Renton, WA.

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