Lydia Vargas

Whether she was known as Lydia or Cootie I knew her as mommy, mami or mother. A remarkable human with a heart of gold born and raised in Chicago in June of 1959. Always willing to offer a helping hand, encouraging words & sarcastic commentary along the way. She worked hard, loved harder and lived simply blissful. Never asking for much except a good crime show and a tall glass of ice with a frothy Pepsi to fill it. And maybe a chat but only during commercials.

She loved jokes especially one liners and often used to connect with people. Many times awkward and misplaced but all with kind intentions.

As a person she was true to herself and unapologetic for her ways. "If you don't like it; don't look!", she would always say.

With all the struggles she hurtled over she made our lives together worthwhile. Bravely loving her mija and raising me to be independent and self reliant.

Though I will never be able to repay her for all she taught me, the late night chats down memory lane or the strength of her loving hugs. I aspire to be half the person she was in life.

Her last years were spent closest with my family. She was able to see me raise her grandson. She allowed him to run to her when he was being mischievous or make her giggle with crazy antics. They liked watching TV together since he was born. Sometimes she would even let us change the channel. She would hug & kiss him and try to make him laugh with a "tickle, tickle, tickle."

She was a daughter, sister, wife, ex-wife, friend, aunt, mother and grandmother. She had tremendous love for all her family and always wished to have the Gomez family back together for a big bash. She missed her departed parents José and Lydia dearly and can now join them again. Sharing her cherished time with her late siblings Miriam, Judy, Wilfred and George.

Her suffering has ended in Puerto Rico on September 25, 2020. Too soon for us but was called to help in God's work. She was survived by her daughter, Nichol and her grandson. Along with her siblings Evelyn, José, Nancy, Yvonne and Margaret and countless nieces & nephews.We love you Mami and you will forever be in our hearts.

Take your flight into heaven the best way you know how ...a long ride on route 66 listening to your Elvis in a red '57 Chevy & then a hot air balloon ride through the sky.