Hilda Olimpia Perez-Salva

Hilda Olimpia (Canosa) Perez-Salva, age 88, of Kansas City, MO, passed away on October 27, 2025. Hilda was born in Havana, Cuba on December 17, 1936, the daughter of Judge Eusebio Canosa and Hylda Lopez Centellas. Her mother was a teacher who inspired her daughter to excel in school, be disciplined, and focus on her goals. This created the perfect background for Hilda’s artistic development in classical dance which led her to perform with Cuba's legendary Prima Ballerina, Alicia Alonso, in Giselle, Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. Hilda followed her creative talents while also pursuing a PhD in Philosophy at the University of Havana. It’s there she met a law student who became the love-of-her life for over 58 years, Abilio Perez Salva.

Hilda's family later emigrated to the United States. After five years, Abilio and Hilda were reunited in New York, and later married then moving to Kansas City where Hilda began a career with the prestigious Kansas City Life Insurance company. Upon her retirement in January of 1999, Hilda enjoyed traveling, music, the arts, reading, ancient history--but most of all--being in the company of her beloved husband and surrounded by the laughs, quality time, and love of her family and friends.

Hilda was preceded in death by her mother and father. She leaves behind her devoted husband Abilio Perez Salva; loving brother Eusebio Canosa; sister-in-law Carmen Perez Salva; and her dearly beloved adopted daughter, Lesa (Dale) Rittinghouse; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers and friends from all over the United States and the World.

There will be a Visitation at 12pm, with the Rosary prayed at 1pm, on Friday, October 31st at Muehlebach Funeral Care, 6800 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO. Following the Rosary, there will be a graveside service at Forest Hill Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO. Hilda will be remembered for her generosity, loving and embracing attitude, patience, sunny and humble disposition and the love and kind words she gave to others. Hilda Olympia Perez Salva embracing humanity with Jesus at the center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.