Lydia Stewart

Lydia Stewart of San Diego, California, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 89. Lydia was born on August 24, 1936, in Morenci, Arizona. Her family moved to Miami, Arizona where she grew up with 3 sisters and 1 brother.

Lydia graduated from Miami High School in Miami, Arizona in 1954, with a scholarship to attend St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Phoenix, Arizona. Lydia spent the majority of her career as a Registered Nurse at UCSD Medical Center.

Lydia was actively involved in many organizations including the Hispanic Nurses Association of San Diego, Mission Valley Rotary, San Diego/Leon Mexico Sister Cities Association, Thousand Smiles Across the Border and the Red Cross.

Lydia was preceded in death by her mother Mary Rojo, father Antonio Zuniga, brother Tony Zuniga, Debra Stewart, and her first husband Joe T. Ruiz.

Lydia is survived by her husband of 45 years Raymond Stewart. Daughters Susan Perez, Theresa Crawford and son Joe T. Ruiz, Jr., 4 Grandchildren and 10 Great - Grandchildren.

The family would like to thank caregiver Claudia Naranjo for her care and compassion she showed Lydia in her final days, along with the care team from Elizabeth Hospice.

Those we love don’t go away,

They Walk beside us every day,

Unseen, unheard, but always near,

Still loved, still missed, and very dear.

Rest in peace Mom – you will be missed!

Lydia was a significant treasure in my life and will always be remembered. She will be with me forever as I will be with her. Love, Ray