Morris M. Vidaurre, 88, of Bethlehem, died Feb. 1, 2026. Born in Sandy Bay Sirpi, Nicaragua to Miguel Manuel and Mildred Moises, he was married Genolia M. Vidaurre for 61 years.

He studied at seminary in Nicaragua and undertook missionary and cooperative work through CASIM, an organization under the Moravian World Mission. He became a political activist, enlisting the help of his family in aiding the Sandinista guerillas to overthrow the authoritarian government. When the Sandinista government came into power, he 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. He was taken as a political prisoner for two years, enduring torture and severe hardship. 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.

He then worked at Reeb Millwork in Bethlehem and the Morning Call in Allentown.

He is survived by 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; a brother, Guillermo Vidaurre and his wife Elenor; nine grandchildren and one great-grandson.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his parents; a son Marc Anthony Vidaurre, his sister Carmela Vidaurre, and son-in-law Douglas L. Richards.

Contributions may be made in his name to College Hill Moravian Church- 72 W. Laurel Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 or to Peaceable Kingdom- 1049 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, PA18052.

Arrangements were made by Cantemi Funeral Home.