Lydia Jean Cadei went home to heaven Sunday, January 10, 2010, at the age of 55. She was born into the loving family of Ray and Isabel Cadei on March 12, 1954.
Lydia lived a full life teaching us all to love unconditionally. Her mission in life was to see to it that no one had a bad day. Her hugs to one and all were the greatest.
Lydia lived her whole life in Gilroy. She attended and graduated from Gateway School where she had many wonderful caring teachers—Susan Nueffer, Hermie Medley, Betty Leper and Dorothy Coleman. Upon graduation Lydia went to work for HOPE Rehabilitation Services. She stayed with HOPE until her retirement 29 years later. The best day of the week for Lydia during all those years was Monday morning — she loved going to work.
Outside of work Lydia participated in the Gavilan District Special Olympics; she bowled weekly at Gilroy Bowl; and enjoyed swimming, job club and all the therapeutic recreational programs. Lydia was very proud of the hooked rugs that she made and gave as gifts to her family and friends. She was a member of Saint Mary’s Parish and enjoyed attending Italian Catholic Federation events with her parents.
In July of 2000 Lydia moved into her own apartment in Villa Esperanza. She was so proud to have her own home just like her brother and sisters. She loved living there with her roommates Barbara Heredia and Lisa Esteves. She had many loving caregivers who saw to her daily needs. Special thanks go out to Katherine McCormack, her last caregiver.
Lydia lived at Hillview Convalescent Hospital the last two years where she was well cared for and loved. Thank you to the entire staff of Hillview.
She best enjoyed spending time with her family. She traveled on cruises with her parents and to the mountains with her brother and sister. She lovingly watched over each of her nieces and nephews as they grew up. Family was her joy.
Lydia was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Isabel Cadei. Lydia will be dearly missed by her sisters and brother: Diane Cadei, Salinas; Raymond Cadei and Toni Moore, Sacramento; Cecilia Cadei and Stephen Mitchell, Eagle, ID; and Kay and Clark Newby, Redwood City. She loved her nieces and nephews: Emily Cadei, Washington, DC; Carolyn Cadei, Baltimore, MD; Matthew Mitchell, Eagle, ID; and Grace and Sam Newby, Redwood City.
Memorials: The family wishes that any donation honoring Lydia be sent to HOPE Services—Gilroy, 8855 Murray Avenue, Gilroy 95020.
The celebration of Lydia’s life will begin with visitation at Habing Family Funeral Home on Friday, January 22 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2010, at 1:30 P.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home at 129 Fourth Street in Gilroy followed by burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
On-Line condolences are welcome at www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com.
